Aim is to break into top 10 in next 2 years, says Sathiyan

Ace paddler G Sathiyan, who was part of the Indian team that won a historic medal in the recent Asian Games, said Thursday his aim was to break into the top 10 and win an Olympic medal in the next two years.

Sathiyan has charted out a plan to achieve the target.

The 25-year-old Chennaiite, who will receive the prestigious Arjuna Award in New Delhi on September 25, told reporters here that along with his coach S Raman, a former national champion, a long-term plan has been put in place for the next few years including training in Asian countries.

"The aim is to crack the top 20 in the next one year and then in the next two years aim for top 10 and winning an Olympic medal," he added.

The last two years have been eventful, Sathiyan said, adding he had won two ITTF Pro Tour titles in that period.

"I won two Pro Tour titles in the last two years and achieved a world ranking of 39.

Now the plan is look forward, the last two-three years have been good, winning the titles andwinning prestigious medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games.

The Asian Games was even more special."