Indian Table Tennis Players Shine with Two Silver Medals at WTT Star Contender in Brazil

Indian Paddlers Achieve Podium Success

In a remarkable display of skill, Indian table tennis players secured two podium finishes at the WTT Star Contender series held in Brazil on Saturday. Despite the men's and mixed doubles teams facing tough competition, their journey to the finals marks a significant advancement for Indian table tennis.

Just a week prior, Sreeja Akula, a leading female player from India, reached the finals of a WTT tournament, clinching a silver medal and demonstrating her prowess against top-ranked players from China and Japan. Her performance, along with that of her teammates, has been instrumental in climbing the world rankings.

Close Matches Highlight Indian Efforts

During the Brazil tournament, the Indian men's doubles duo of Manav Thakkar and Manush faced off against Germany's Benedikt Duda and Dang Qiu in a thrilling final. The match concluded with a narrow 3-2 defeat for the Indians after a fierce 42-minute battle, showcasing the competitive spirit of both teams.

Similarly, the mixed doubles pair of Diya Chitale and Manush Shah fought valiantly but ultimately lost to the Japanese team of Satoshi Aida and Honoka Hashimoto, with a score of 3-2 in another tightly contested match.

Historic Achievement for Indian Table Tennis

This marks the first occasion where Indian players have secured two silver medals in a WTT tournament, highlighting the growth and development of the sport in the country, supported by a strong training and coaching framework.

Indian national coach Saurav Chakraborty expressed pride in the team's performance, stating, "We are no longer just participating—we’re competing. And winning." He congratulated the players for their outstanding achievement in the doubles events.

Recognition and Future Prospects

Chakraborty noted the historical significance of this achievement, stating, "This is the first time Indian players made history by winning two silver medals in the Star Contender in Brazil 2025. So proud of you guys … Jai Hind." The success has garnered global recognition for the Indian contingent.

He also mentioned that all players are improving their rankings and meeting expectations set before the tournament. Although they narrowly missed gold in the women's singles, the two silver medals in doubles represent a remarkable performance for Indian table tennis on the international stage.

A Bright Future for Indian Table Tennis

This success is a promising sign for Indian paddlers, some of whom are beginning to achieve the fame typically associated with cricket and tennis stars in the country. Notably, Mannika Batra, a prominent female player, is gaining recognition and endorsement opportunities while prioritizing her sport.

Coach Chakraborty attributes the rise of table tennis to various initiatives by the government and the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), which are providing players with ample training and livelihood opportunities. Additionally, corporate support and the introduction of a league-style tournament have further elevated the standard of the sport.