ASU Prep Digital+ Student Yash Manek Is Taking His Game Global
Four years ago, Yash Manek was playing table tennis for fun in a garage with other kids his age. Today, the 10th grade ASU Prep Digital+ student and Mesa resident is the Arizona state champion in the under-19 category, ranked No. 3 in men’s singles and No. 2 in men’s doubles, and preparing for an opportunity that will take his game halfway around the world.
Yash’s path to the international stage started simply. He enjoyed playing table tennis with friends, but it didn’t take long for him to realize he had a talent for the sport. He joined a table tennis club, started training seriously and began dedicating more than 20 hours each week to improving his game.
Then he watched the Olympics.
Seeing the world’s best table tennis players compete inspired Yash to think about what might be possible for him. Now, he is preparing to train at the Dhanuka Dhunseri Soumyadeep Poulomi Table Tennis Academy in Kolkata, India, where he’ll have the opportunity to receive world-class training and continue working toward his goal of competing on a global stage.
The feeling that keeps him coming back
For Yash, the appeal of table tennis isn’t just about the rankings or the championships. He loves competing.
He practices every day and spends more than 20 hours a week playing table tennis. But even after all those hours of training, there’s something about arriving at a tournament that still gives him a rush.
It’s a different kind of magic.”
The next step is half a world away
Yash says there is something special about walking into a tournament hall. After years of training and competing, that feeling continues to motivate him to keep improving.
That commitment is about to take him thousands of miles from home. In October, Yash plans to begin training at the table tennis academy in Kolkata, India. The opportunity will give him access to world-class training and a new environment where he can continue developing as an athlete.
Growing up in a predominantly Indian household, Yash is also familiar with Gujarati and Hindi, which he expects will help him communicate with coaches, staff and peers during his time in India.
A school built around his goals
As Yash prepares to take his table tennis journey to the next level, he is also making sure his education keeps moving forward.
With more than 20 hours of table tennis training each week and an international move ahead, Yash needed an educational experience that could accommodate his demanding schedule. That’s one reason he chose ASU Prep Digital+.
The online college-preparatory program gives Yash the flexibility to manage his coursework alongside his training and competitions. ASU Prep’s connection to Arizona State University also gave Yash and his family confidence in the academic experience as he prepared for this next chapter.
Making room for what comes next
This year, Yash is taking biology, world history, English, sports marketing and business marketing. While his days are filled with practices, tournaments and preparation for his move to India, he is continuing to build the academic foundation he’ll need for whatever comes next.
For Yash, pursuing his passion doesn’t mean putting his education on hold. With the flexibility of ASU Prep Digital+, he can continue working toward his academic goals while dedicating the time and energy required to pursue table tennis at a high level.
Now, with a state championship behind him and an international training opportunity ahead, Yash is ready for the next serve, the next match and the next chapter in his journey.
Build a path designed for your student
At ASU Prep Digital, students are empowered to take ownership of their learning, move at their own pace and build a path that fits their goals. With flexible online learning, personalized support and an accredited academic experience, students are able to stay on track from middle school through high school, while pursuing what matters most beyond the classroom.
Learn more and register for an upcoming info session to see how ASU Prep Digital can support your student’s path, wherever it leads.
