From a UTT Champion to Olympics: Alvaro Robles shares his Table Tennis journey

“You fail, but learn and continue.”

This is how Alvaro Robles would describe his journey so far in the world of table tennis. And it must be true because a nine-year-old boy who started playing as a follower of his elder brother eventually marched on to play on the biggest stage. The Olympics one time were so good, he had participated in them twice!

“I remember being at the Tokyo Olympics, but unfortunately, it was a pandemic time. I could not have a first hand experience,’’ says Robles.

Alvaro’s journey so far has been marked by difficult decisions, which started from the moment he chose between playing football or table tennis, and he never looked back since.

“I chose table tennis. It turned out to be one of the best decisions of my life,’’ He says.

“I had to leave my family at the age of 15 to learn about table tennis. Later, I thought of moving to Germany to practice the sport at the senior professional level. All those decisions were very challenging to take, but at the same time, they brought a lot of good things,’’ Alvaro shares.

Alvaro won the first medal for Spain in the world championships and he bagged a silver medal in the men’s doubles in the 2019 World Championships and went on to participate in the Olympics twice, but not without the continued support from family.

“I have had the right people at the right moment. My wife and kids, especially from the last two years, were on my team because they moved with me to Germany. Their hundred percent support helped me achieve my goals,” he opens up in conversation with The Bridge.

Alvaro has recently come back from the Paris Olympics, describing his experience as one of the best moments. For Robles, representing his nation at the biggest arena of sports leaves a special kind of emotion with the audience present on the court as well, and it is not often that one is blessed with such overwhelming gratitude.

“Only a few times in my career have I felt this kind of emotion,” Robles acknowledges.

He is ready to smash the ball with the PBG Bengaluru Smashers in the IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis and he is ready to take the challenge after a month of intense preparation and focus on the Olympics, making it the perfect setup to compete.

“I feel mentally ready because the experience is very strong.” He says.

While preparing for a busy time ahead of the tournament, Alvaro recalls his last season at IndianOil UTT, which he considered special because the journey was tough and unpredictable. But his favorite moments are the times when they were winning. Robles won the title for the last season with the Goa Challengers.

“After trying and fighting through many difficult moments, we triumphed over the Chennai Lions to win our maiden Indian Oil UTT title against Sharath Kamal. It was very special and I remember this being my best moment,” Robles mentions humbly.

However, such terrific wins do not come with ease and the coaching staff plays a critical role.

“In the end, the coach brings the best from each player. It is important to take the individual strength of every player and try to make the player feel confident. Sometimes you lose and win, but what is most important is to go at the same pace. Try to arrive at the end in the best way possible,” Robles shares.

Alvaro had a fantastic season last year, and with his new team, he’d like to carry forward the one important thing he learned last season which is that team success comes from many factors and each of the members of the team has one role, and we have to do it right.

Robles’ goal for the PBG Bengaluru Smashers in UTT season 2024 is simple: to be ready match by match. He’s not worried about his teammates, and there is trust between his team and his staff.

Alvaro enjoys his camaraderie with Indian players such as Sharath Kamal, Prateek Mehta, and Subin Kumar, who were in Madrid with Robles when he was 19.

“Relating with them for many years is a normal thing. It is very easy-going,” Alvaro says.

Robles also appreciates the growth of table tennis in India.

“India has done the right thing, and the growth of table tennis in India means that they have qualified for the Olympics in both mens and womens categories. Such feats do not come by chance but from investments. Leagues like Indian Oil UTT play a major role by helping the players grow by mixing with different experienced players. They can follow their path easily because they learn from experience.’’ Robles concluded.