Sharbel Elia’s Journey to Excellence in Table Tennis

Humble Beginnings

Sharbel’s story starts in his hometown in Cyprus, where his brother’s love for table tennis sparked his own curiosity. “I first began playing when I was seven,” he recounts. “My brother started after a friend introduced him to the game, and slowly, he pulled me in as well.” From those early days, playing on modest tables, Sharbel’s natural talent and growing enthusiasm set him apart.

By the time he was eight, Sharbel’s potential had already caught the attention of Cyprus’ national team coaches. “When I was eight, I got pulled into the national team,” he says. “I was a small kid with two or three other small kids also with me.” He trained alongside older athletes, learning and growing as a player. “My coaches believed in me. They saw something, and that belief kept pushing me forward.”

The Allure of Table Tennis

What is it about table tennis that captivated Sharbel? “I really liked the fast pace of the points,” he explains. “This bam, bam, bam from close to the table, it was one of the aspects that grew an interest inside me for the sport.”

The mental and physical demands of the game offer endless challenges, keeping him motivated to train and compete at the highest levels.

Sharbel’s journey from a curious child to an international athlete wasn’t without challenges. One pivotal moment came when his coach initially hesitated to bring him onto the national team:

“The assistant coach insisted, ‘Take him, take him.’ And the head coach was like, ‘Why take him? What does this kid have special?’” he recalls with a laugh. “But eventually, they agreed, and it seems like it did indeed work.”

Today, he competes in prestigious events like the Mediterranean Games, Commonwealth Games, and European Championships. “I play at an international level,” he says. “I participate in many opens for ranking purposes, for experience, and all this stuff. Ranking is very important because it decides how good of a draw you will have.”

The Hidden Demands of Table Tennis

For many, table tennis conjures images of casual games in garages or recreational centers. But as Sharbel explains, professional table tennis is a world apart. “Many people confuse it for the basement table tennis they are playing in the garage,” he says. “But they don’t know it’s much, much, much more different in real life professional table tennis.”

Training extends beyond the table. “I go to the gym every day,” he shares. “It’s really important to have a strong body. I train a lot on my legs and core. Strong legs are critical because they’re the foundation of every movement, enabling the quick reactions and explosive power needed in the game.” He also incorporates reaction-time drills and coordination exercises to sharpen his reflexes. “It’s a mixture of everything. Everything helps,” he says.

Sharbel has big dreams, including representing Cyprus in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “If I continue training and competing, nothing’s impossible,” he says confidently. However, achieving this goal may require significant changes. “I’d leave Cyprus to train in a better country in terms of table tennis,” he shares. “Training with much better players will slowly pull me up.”

Countries like China, Germany, and France are on his radar as hubs for elite table tennis. “Number one would be China. In China, table tennis is part of their culture. You see tables everywhere,” he explains.

Beyond the Rankings

While Sharbel dreams of climbing the world rankings, he views the sport as more than just a means to an end. “The ranking is more like the vehicle to go to our goals,” he says. “It’s not the primary goal to have a good ranking, but it helps you have an easier path in a tournament.”

Sharbel’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the unyielding pursuit of excellence. From his early days on a humble table in Cyprus to the international stage, he’s proving that with passion and dedication, anything is possible.

To hear more inspiring stories like Sharbel’s, tune in to The Stride Podcast and join us as we explore the journeys of athletes striving for greatness.