Diya Chitale dedicates TT bronze to long-time mentor Engels who passed away earlier this week

Diya Chitale, the 23-year-old Indian table tennis player, dedicated her bronze medal from the Asian Games to her beloved mentor and former coach, Peter Engel, who passed away earlier this week. Shortly after learning about Engel's death, Diya was preoccupied with the medal ceremony. Engaging in mixed doubles with her partner Manush Shah, Diya had started training with Engel in Germany in 2015, at the tender age of 12.

Engel became more than just a mentor, serving as a sounding board for Diya on life's issues. Tragically, Engel's declining health earlier this week took a toll on Diya, who found it difficult to process her grief. Despite her heartfelt tribute to Engel, Diya went on to deliver a remarkable performance against Indonesia's Almaira Nebuchadnezzar, sealing India's second mixed doubles Asiad podium in history.