The 32-year-old chose table tennis over football simply because 'millions in Brazil are interested in football'.

"Football is too big and unless you are gifted, you hardly have a chance to survive in Brazilian football. I was a national junior table tennis player but to run the family, I had to quit at the age of 17," said Martins, who joined a sports school to study and continue his passion for one of the most loved indoor games.

He became the assistant national coach in 1993 and for the past seven years was the head national coach.

"There was some misunderstanding with the federation and I accepted ITTF's invitation to join as a coach earlier this year. I have already visited Venezuela, Argentina, Peru and Guatemala for it. This time, I have a 35-day mission to Malaysia, Bangladesh, Pakistan and parts of Europe.

"I will work about coach's education and talk with senior players in Bangladesh and give them a few tips during my short stay."