Daijiworld Media Network - Canada (SB)
Canada, Dec 28: "I am really happy that I am back in the game,” said Nerissa D'Mello after lifting the under-15 single title at the recently completed Annual Table Tennis Tournament of the YMCA, Mississauga, Canada.
It was indeed a proud moment not only for this teenaged champion and her parents but also for all Indians who are living in Canada. This is the first time she is participating in a major table tennis tournament after migrating into Canada with her siblings and parents three years ago.
Right through the tournament it was smooth sailing for Nerissa as she won every match with ease and confidence. In the final she played like a true champion and defeated top seed, Tami Ou, a Canadian of Chinese origin 11-9, 14-16, 11-8 in a well fought three-set match. Both the players played attacking table tennis and matched each others shots to perfection. But in the end it was Nerissa's usual cool, composed nature and her confident power-packed game that won her the prestigious YMCA under 15 singles title for the first time.
Multi-faceted Thy Name Nerissa
Nerissa is currently studying in the 10th grade at Father Michael Goetz Catholic Secondary School, Mississauga and is a smart and soft spoken child. She is the daughter of Lucy and Gerry D'Mello of Bendur. Nerissa had won two 'Most Valuable Player (MVP)' awards last year for her great achievements in badminton and girls’ cricket in school. Also, she was the champion in MFSI Badminton Mixed Double Tourney in Canada this year.
She is also a good musician and plays keyboard and clarinet. Apart from being a keen sports and music enthusiast, Nerissa has excelled and won awards in academics fetching her a place in the prestigious 'Goetz Club'. She is also a member of the Student Council in her school. Her two sisters Nishita and Nicole are champions in badminton/tennis and girls’ cricket, respectively.
Initiation into Game and Achievements
It was in the year 2003 in Muscat, at the tender age of 8 that Nerissa picked up a table tennis racket for the first time. She took to the game very easily and with her determination and perseverance slowly made her way to the top. That very year she entered the Annual Table Tennis tournament organized by the Indian Social Club (ISC) Muscat. Almost a wild card entry, she shocked every one by reaching the finals and lifting the runner-up trophy in the under-10 girls category. She has not looked back since then. Perfecting her game, she has gone on to win glory, accolades, titles, awards, and trophies for herself and her school.
At the age of 9, she won the under-14 title at the Inter School Table Tennis Tournament held in Oman. She then went on to win the 2004 CBSE Zonal Table-Tennis Championship (Girls U/14) wherein schools from Kuwait, Doha-Qatar, Dubai, Sharjah participated. Nerissa was then selected from the Indian School Muscat to participate in the 'CBSE National Table-Tennis Tournament' held at Jaipur, India, in December 2004. This was the first time ever a 9-year-old girl was representing the Sultanate of Oman in a CBSE National event.
After successfully crossing the initial settling down hurdles now, Nerissa is back into table tennis, her most favourite game, and is anxiously looking forward for more challenging tournaments in Canada in the near future!