Nagal in dreamland at the Olympics, and in awe of compatriot Mirza

By Jamie Renton | ITF

A week ago, Sumit Nagal tried to sum up his feelings ahead of taking part in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

In a post on twitter, the 23-year-old Indian admitted his participation was “surreal” and that “no words can express my emotions”.

Seven days later, on the day of the Olympic Opening Ceremony, the world No. 160 still believes words can’t do justice to his pride at being involved in the world’s biggest sporting occasion.

“I don’t have words to express my feelings,” he reiterated on Friday after practicing with Belarusian Egor Gerasimov under the sweltering late morning sun at the Ariake Tennis Park. “[It’s great] being in Tokyo, one of my favourite cities, and being in Japan. When I heard the next Olympics was going to be in Japan, I was so excited. My goal was to make it.

“It’s incredible, man. To represent my country, my first Olympics… I think it’s what everyone as an athlete wishes for.”

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Photo: Kopatsch/Sato/Sidorjak