Life & Legacy
Born in Assam, Monalisa Baruah Mehta developed a passion for table tennis at a young age. During a time when sports infrastructure and professional guidance were limited in the region, she relied heavily on dedication, self-discipline, and rigorous practice to refine her skills. Her early performances in state-level competitions quickly set her apart as an exceptional talent. Over the years, she emerged as a dominant force in Assamese table tennis, winning the Assam State Championship twelve times, a remarkable achievement that remains unmatched.
Her rise in Indian table tennis was swift and decisive. Monalisa Baruah Mehta became a multiple-time National Champion, winning the National Table Tennis Championship on eight occasions. One of her most historic achievements was becoming the first Indian woman to win national titles in Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior categories, a milestone that demonstrated her sustained excellence across all levels of competition. This rare accomplishment established her as one of the finest all-round table tennis players India has ever produced.
At the international level, Monalisa represented India with distinction in several prestigious tournaments. She competed in the World Table Tennis Championships, Asian Games, Commonwealth Championships, and other major global events, earning respect for her technical finesse and competitive spirit. Her performances against top international players helped raise the profile of Indian women table tennis on the global stage during a crucial phase of its development.
In addition to her individual achievements, Monalisa Baruah Mehta played a key leadership role in Indian table tennis. She served as captain of both the Assam State Team and the Indian National Team from 1978 to 1991. Her captaincy was marked by discipline, strategic insight, and mentorship, as she guided younger players while maintaining high personal performance standards. Her leadership contributed significantly to the growth of women table tennis in India during that era.
In recognition of her outstanding contribution to Indian sports, Monalisa Baruah Mehta was awarded the Arjuna Award in 1987. This honor not only celebrated her personal achievements but also marked a historic moment for Assam and the North-East region, highlighting the emergence of world-class athletes from the area. She remains one of the most respected Arjuna Award winners from Assam.
Beyond her playing career, Monalisa continued to serve Indian table tennis in multiple capacities. She worked as a coach for the Indian Junior Team and the Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB), where she played an instrumental role in nurturing young talent. Her deep understanding of the game, combined with her experience at the highest level, made her a valuable mentor for aspiring players.
Her contributions also extended to sports administration. Monalisa Baruah Mehta served as Joint Honorary Secretary of the Table Tennis Federation of India, reflecting her commitment to strengthening the sport at the organizational level. She currently holds the position of Vice President of the Assam Table Tennis Association, where she actively supports grassroots development and training programs. Additionally, she serves as a Director of the ELMS Sports Foundation, focusing on holistic sports development and athlete welfare.
After marrying fellow table tennis champion Kamlesh Mehta, Monalisa relocated to Mumbai. The partnership between two accomplished athletes further strengthened her involvement in Indian sports. Despite moving away from Assam, she has remained deeply connected to the sporting ecosystem of the state and continues to support initiatives that promote sports culture in the region.
Monalisa Baruah Mehta has also been a strong advocate of national sports initiatives such as the Khelo India Youth Games. She has publicly praised the program for reviving sporting culture across India and providing young athletes with access to quality facilities, international exposure, and financial support through scholarships. According to her, modern athletes have unprecedented opportunities and must focus on discipline, hard work, and continuous improvement to achieve success.
She strongly believes that success in sports is built on consistency and mental strength. In her interactions with young players, she often emphasizes that achievements should be celebrated briefly and then set aside, allowing athletes to refocus on future goals. Her philosophy reflects her own career, which was defined by long-term excellence rather than short-term success.
Today, Monalisa Baruah Mehta is widely regarded as a symbol of sporting excellence from Assam. Her legacy extends far beyond medals and titles. She represents the transformative power of sports in empowering women, promoting regional talent, and inspiring national pride. For aspiring athletes, especially young girls from North-East India, her journey serves as a powerful reminder that dedication and perseverance can overcome geographic and social limitations.
Her contribution to Indian table tennis, sports administration, and youth development has earned her a permanent place among the most famous and respected personalities of Assam. Monalisa Baruah Mehta continues to inspire not only as a former champion but also as a mentor, leader, and advocate for the future of Indian sports.
FAQs on Monalisa Baruah Mehta
1. Who is Monalisa Baruah Mehta?
Monalisa Baruah Mehta is a former Indian table tennis champion from Assam and an Arjuna Award winner.
2. Why is Monalisa Baruah Mehta famous?
She is famous for being the first woman from North-East India to receive the Arjuna Award and for her achievements in table tennis.
3. When did Monalisa Baruah Mehta receive the Arjuna Award?
She received the Arjuna Award in the year 1987.
4. How many times did Monalisa Baruah Mehta win the national championship?
She won the National Table Tennis Championship eight times.
5. What records did Monalisa Baruah Mehta set in Indian table tennis?
She was the first Indian woman to win Sub-Junior, Junior, and Senior national titles.
6. Did Monalisa Baruah Mehta represent India internationally?
Yes, she represented India in World Championships, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Championships.
7. Is Monalisa Baruah Mehta involved in sports administration?
Yes, she has served as Joint Honorary Secretary of TTFI and is Vice President of Assam Table Tennis Association.
8. Who is Monalisa Baruah Mehta married to?
She is married to former Indian table tennis champion Kamlesh Mehta.
9. What is Monalisa Baruah Mehta's role in youth sports development?
She mentors young athletes, supports Khelo India initiatives, and works with sports foundations.
10. Why is Monalisa Baruah Mehta important to Assam?
She is one of Assam's most successful sports icons and an inspiration for future generations.