Paddler Of Indian (Sikh) Origin Represents New Zealand

[JSinghnz]

May 9, 2013 by PTI Source: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

May 6, 2013: New Delhi - New Zealand women's team member of Indian origin, Armindeep Singh on Monday said that she was happy to be a part of the Kiwi side in the ongoing Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships.

"Yes I am the first paddler of Indian origin who has made it to the New Zealand side," Armindeep told PTI when asked if any other player of Indian origin has represented the Island nation.

Though she has visited India before, it was the 24-year-old's first professional assignment here.

Armindeep's mother was born in a village near Jalandhar, while her father has been residing in Hamilton since three generations.

Currently ranked 1087 in the world, Armin aims to become one of the finest paddlers in her country.

"I have played in the World University Championships in Japan 2009. I have a long way to go and hope I can make my country proud," she said.

Armindeep started playing tennis at the age of 12 and plays for the Hamilton's club side back home.

"I first broke into the national side in 2006 as junior. Since then I have made gradual progress," she added.

Meanwhile, the New Zealand team did not have a great campaign and would be playing for the 9-13 classification matches in the Championships.