India Secures Table Tennis Medal at Asian Games with Semifinal Victory

Historic Achievement for Indian Table Tennis

In Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, on September 25, India has guaranteed itself a medal in table tennis at the Asian Games. The mixed doubles team of Diya Chitale and Manush Shah advanced to the semifinals after a remarkable win against Hong Kong's world No. 4 pair, Wong Chun Ting and Doo Hoi Kem.

The Indian duo, currently ranked eighth globally, triumphed over their opponents with a score of 3-1 (11-6, 13-15, 11-9, 11-5) in the quarterfinals, ensuring at least a bronze medal for India.

Chitale and Shah showcased an impressive performance against the seasoned Hong Kong players, who have multiple World Championship medals, including a recent podium finish at the 2025 World Championships.

With this victory, India is set to face a strong Chinese team, Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, in the mixed doubles semifinals.

This medal marks India's second mixed doubles achievement in table tennis at the Asian Games, following the bronze won by Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra in Jakarta in 2018.

The Indian pair entered the quarterfinals with significant momentum and continued their remarkable journey against higher-ranked teams.

In contrast, India's mixed doubles campaign featuring Harmeet Desai and Yashaswini Ghorpade concluded after they faced a 0-3 defeat against China's Lin Shidong and Kuai Man in the quarterfinals, with scores of 11-5, 12-10, and 11-9.

Overall, India is experiencing a mixed performance across various sports. In badminton, Dhruv Kapila and Tanisha Crasto progressed after defeating Maldives' Aminath Abdul Razzaq and Nibal Ahmed in the mixed doubles first round. In swimming, Rishabh Das and Utkarsh Patil qualified for the men's 200m backstroke final, while Dhanush Suresh, Aneesh Sunil, and Dhakshan Shashikumar did not advance in their events.

In shooting, Kamaljeet and Suruchi Inder Singh excelled in the 10m air pistol mixed team qualification. In canoe sprint, Prohit Baroi and Prasanna Kumar moved on to Final B after finishing fifth in the men's kayak double 500m semifinal, while Megha Pradeep and Neha Leichonbam were eliminated after placing fourth in the women's canoe double 500m semifinal.

Unfortunately, India's fencing teams were eliminated by Hong Kong and Uzbekistan in the men's team foil and women's team epee round of 16, respectively. Additionally, Harmeet Desai and Yashaswini Ghorpade exited the mixed doubles after their loss to the Chinese pair. In athletics, Anamika Aneesh and Pooja stood seventh and ninth, respectively, in the women's heptathlon overall standings following the long jump event.