Syndrela Das and Divyanshi Bhowmick Shine in WTT Youth Contender 2026

The WTT Youth Contender 2026 in Vadodara has begun with standout performances from defending champion Syndrela Das and top seed Divyanshi Bhowmick. Both players secured convincing victories in their opening matches, while Japan's Miku Matsushima also made a strong debut. The tournament features 226 players across various age categories, and the excitement continues as top seeds advance to the knockout stages. In the U-15 mixed doubles, Vivaan Dave and Naisha Rewaskar pulled off an upset against the top seeds to reach the finals. Read on for more highlights from this thrilling event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jan 5, 2026, 02:07 IST

Exciting Start for U-19 Girls at WTT Youth Contender

Vadodara (Gujarat) [India], January 4: The WTT Youth Contender 2026 kicked off with a bang as defending champion Syndrela Das, top seed Divyanshi Bhowmick, and Japan's Miku Matsushima secured impressive victories in their respective groups at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex on Sunday, as reported by a local media source.

This year's edition, hosted by the Table Tennis Association of Baroda and supported by the Sports Authority of Gujarat, features 226 players competing across various age categories from U-11 to U-19. Syndrela, who won the U-17 title the previous day, triumphed over Archismita Mahato with scores of 11-7, 11-7, 11-8 in Group 3. Meanwhile, Divyanshi dominated Shrestha Kontham, winning 11-4, 11-3, 11-7 in Group 1.

Miku also had a strong start in Group 2, defeating Gunjan Kumar with a scoreline of 11-3, 11-6, 11-4. The top seeds in the boys' U-19 category also advanced to the knockout stage, each securing two wins in their groups.

In the U-15 category, the top seeds also progressed comfortably into the knockout rounds. Earlier, Vivaan Dave and Naisha Rewaskar showcased their skills in a thrilling mixed doubles match, overcoming the top seeds Aditya Das and Ankolika Chakraborty to reach the finals. They won the match with a nail-biting score of 13-11, 5-11, 11-7, 5-11, 23-21, setting up a final against Reyansh Jalan and Tanishka Kalbhairav, who defeated Sanjay Jagdish and Myraa Sangelkar in the other semifinal.