Striking the Balance: Priyanka Khellawan’s Pursuit of Excellence

The intersection of sport and education serves as a powerful mechanism for human development, as it has the potential to foster a healthy mind in a healthy body- Mens sana in corpore sano. Yet the persistent gender imbalance within global sporting structures continues to compromise the full potential of sport. As the global sports community prepares for the upcoming 9th International Working Group (IWG) Global Summit on Women and Sport in Birmingham, England, the mandate to move “Beyond the Breakthrough” aligns precisely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—specifically SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 4 (Quality Education)—by framing athletic equity not as a concession, but as a fundamental right. This holistic appeal aligns with Pope Leo XIV’s recognition that ‘sport helps mature the human person by fostering discipline, humility, and right relationships, and with Nelson Mandela’s enduring conviction that sport possesses a unique, transformative power to unite people and inspire global change.

In this interview, table tennis player Priyanka Khellawan [PK] embody this very dual pursuit, sharing how she navigates the rigorous demands of academia and competition while advocating for a future where gender is never viewed as a limitation.

AR: Can you give us a snapshot of who Priyanka Khellawan is?

PK: My name is Priyanka Khellawan, I am 21 years old from Gasparillo. I am a final year student reading for a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a minor in Management Information Systems at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus. Outside of Table Tennis, I am an avid cricket fan especially of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and I also enjoy cooking and reading. These interests help me maintain balance and provide a relaxing outlet away from training and academics.

AR: What or who sparked your entry into table tennis?

PK: My grandfather, Hazare Gopaul, introduced me to table tennis when I was about 7 years old, and I became completely absorbed with it from the very beginning. Along with Wallace Coomansingh, he coached me throughout my time as a member of Petrotrin Sports Club, until its closure. They both played significant roles in shaping my development as a player. In 2022, I became a member of the Powergen Table Tennis Club. One international player whose style

I particularly enjoy is Luxembourg’s Luka Mladenovic. He plays with an anti-spin rubber on his backhand, just like me, and I admire how he utilises it to disrupt the rhythm of his opponents. That tactical aspect of table tennis is especially enjoyable.

AR: What have been some of your major successes in table tennis?

PK: I have been competing nationally since 2014 and one of my greatest successes has been winning three gold medals at the Caribbean Regional Table Tennis Championships. I won the Under- 11 Girls’ Singles in 2016 followed by the Under -13 Girls’ singles titles in 2017 and 2018. In addition, prior to taking a break from competition in mid-2024, I was consistently ranked among the top three Under-19 female players and within the top five women players nationally. These accomplishments represent years of hard work, commitment and support from those around me.

AR: What accounts for your success?

PK: I believe maintaining composure and being able to think clearly under pressure are essential qualities for any athlete. Table tennis is a sport that requires split-second decision-making, and the ability to execute a plan when the stakes are high can make all the difference. Resilience has also been a major factor in my journey. I have always believed that no matter the scoreline or outcome of a competition, there is always an opportunity to learn, improve and come back stronger. That mindset has helped me overcome challenges and continue striving for success.

AR: How do you balance table tennis, academics and social life?

PK: Balancing all three can certainly be challenging at times. I try to stay organised by planning my days carefully and ensuring that I allocate sufficient time to each area of my life. There are periods when academics become particularly demanding, and sacrifices have to be made, whether in training or social activities. However, I always make a conscious effort to restore that balance whenever possible. I believe that success is not only about excelling in one area but also about maintaining a healthy and fulfilling lifestyle overall.

AR: As a young woman, what are your thoughts on playing sports and pursuing education in 21st century Trinidad and Tobago?

PK: It is incredibly empowering to be able to pursue both sport and education. Together, they have given me a sense of purpose and direction while helping me become a more disciplined

and driven individual. As a female, I believe that it is important to recognise that our gender should never be viewed as a limitation. Instead, it is a strength that we can embrace and channel into achieving our goals. Today, more opportunities exist for women than ever before, and I hope more young women continue to challenge themselves and pursue their ambitions with confidence.

AR: What is on the horizon for you in table tennis?

PK: Since taking a hiatus from national competition in 2024, I am hoping that my participation in the UWI Games 2026 serves as a stepping stone to return to competitive table tennis. My goal is to regain momentum, return to the national circuit, and once again compete at a high level.

AR: What advice would you like to share with young people in Trinidad and Tobago?

PK: I firmly believe that sport and education are a powerful combination for personal development. Having been training and studying since the age of seven, I can confidently say that the many qualities I value today- discipline, dedication, resilience and time management- were strengthened through sport.

My advice to young people is never to believe that they must choose between academics and athletics. With the right mindset, determination and support system, it is possible to excel in both. Have faith in your abilities, remain committed to your goals, and never underestimate what you can achieve through hard work and perseverance.

Priyanka Khellawan’s journey boldly challenges the antiquated cultural belief that sport and education are mutually exclusive paths. She represents a rising generation of young women dismantling the traditional bias that forces a choice between intellectual and athletic development. Her resilience and discipline prove that sport does not diminish academic success; rather, it fortifies it.

Editor’s note: The views expressed in the preceding article are solely those of the author and do not reflect the views of any organisation in which he is a stakeholder.