Guidance of seniors has helped me, says 16-year-old Miwa

Miwa Harimoto, Japan's rising table tennis star at 16, ranks sixth globally, aiming to match her brother's success.

Japan’s Miwa Harimoto is one of the fastest rising young stars in women’s table tennis. She is just 16 and is already ranked sixth in the world.

Doing consistently well on the WTT circuit, Miwa, the younger sister of men’s World No. 3 Tomokazu Harimoto, showed her calibre in the Asian championships in Astana last October. She helped Japan win the women’s team title with a victory over powerhouse China while bagging a silver each in women’s singles and women’s doubles (with Miyuu Kihara).

It was not just a breakthrough moment for Japan as it regained the Asian title after 50 years, but also for Miwa, who defeated quite a few Chinese players in the team and singles events.

Miwa, however, feels powerhouse China is still the best. “China is still better and Japan has to improve,” she said through a translator after scripting a win in the mixed doubles first round of the WTT Star Contender Chennai here on Thursday,

The 16-year-old said she has been to do well in the Asian championship and the Paris Olympics — taking Japan to the women’s team silver — due to the guidance of seniors. “It was a wonderful experience overall.”

Crowded

Chennai, said Miwa, is nice, but found the City crowded. “It is very crowded but my hotel stay has been very pleasant.”