Por CBTM
The athlete Neder Alves, who had his curriculum highlighted on the website of Brazilian Table Tennis Confederation (CBTM) last week, hit the news again, this time in an interview. Check it out:
1) Like we have been observing, you are one of the greatest participant of the table tennis tournaments in the last two years. What is your motivation?
My motivation comes from my family that gives me strength for everything I do and, of course, I couldn't forget to mention, the support that the UPIS College gives to me, in my academic life - with the scholarship for my law degree - as well as the incentive in my sports life - paying for my travel expenses when I travel. My biggest motivator is definitely my dear friend and coach Miguel Ventura, who has always motivated me and believed in my potential.
2) What is the difference between table tennis and the other sports that allows longevity for its players in the events?
The difference is that table tennis is a modality of low impact, which doesn't wear down the joints and, therefore, is not very susceptible to injuries. Also, because it isn't a physical contact sport (mechanical chocks) there are lateral dislocations, but with few horizontal jumps and none vertical like in volleyball, for example, which stresses the joint specially the knees.
3) Up to where you believe you can go in table tennis?
I have already accomplished a lot in table tennis, through it I won my scholarship for both my undergraduate degree and post-graduate. Table tennis has also made possible for me to travel all around
4) In your evaluation, who was the best Brazilian player of all time and who was your role model that incited you to star playing?
Cláudio Kano was to me the greatest expression of the Brazilian table tennis, because of his humbleness, talent and kindness. I admire a lot my friend Thiago Monteiro for facing everything with great humility, for living abroad and leaving his family and friends to follow his dreams - and I hope they become a reality, who has always worked very hard to be amongst the best in Brazil and in the Americas and who will for sure be amongst the best in the world. I have always done sports, mainly in school, where I had the opportunity to play football, volley, basketball and handball. I think that has made easier for me to learn table tennis in such a short period of time. A very good friend of mine, Evandro, introduced me to table tennis when I was 18 years old.
5) What are your expectations for the World 2008 here, in
I would like very much to participate, but I don't know whether I will be in as good shape as I am today and, besides, I haven't looked yet what is the age limit to participate of the event. It is the dream of any player to take part in a world championship. If I have the opportunity, I will participate for sure.
