From Bedridden to World No. 16: Shubham Wadhwa's Inspiring Para Table Tennis Journey
As the wheelchair table tennis national championships commence in Indore this week, 29-year-old Shubham Wadhwa approaches the table with unwavering determination and purpose. A decade ago, his life took a dramatic turn when a 2016 bike accident resulted in a severe spinal cord injury, confining him to bed for three long years. Today, he stands as Asia's fourth-ranked and the world's sixteenth-ranked player in Class 3 wheelchair table tennis, actively preparing for the Para Asian Games while pursuing his ultimate dream: an Olympic berth.
A Gradual Return to Sport After Life-Altering Accident
Wadhwa's remarkable journey back to competitive sports has been both gradual and inspiring. During his school years in Ludhiana, he was a national-level table tennis player who temporarily stepped away from the sport to pursue modeling. The 2016 accident fundamentally altered his trajectory. "For three years, I was completely bedridden," Wadhwa recalls. "My friends consistently reminded me of my table tennis background. When I finally returned to the table in 2019-20, it genuinely gave me a new lease on life." Currently, he is pursuing a BTech in computer science at Lovely Professional University through a scholarship, balancing academics with elite athletic training.
International Breakthrough and Medal Haul
The Ludhiana-based athlete has accumulated an impressive collection of 7-8 national gold medals alongside 13 international medals. His defining breakthrough moment arrived earlier this year at the ITTF World Para Future Gold Coast 2026 tournament in Australia. Competing in Class 3 singles, Wadhwa demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience:
- Defeated Japan 3-2 during the group stage
- Overcame two Australian opponents in subsequent matches
- Triumphed over Oceania's top Australian paddler 3-1 in the semifinals
- Clinched the final 3-0 against Japan to secure his first international singles gold medal
Wadhwa returned from Gold Coast with not only the singles gold but also bronze medals in mixed doubles and men's doubles—a performance that solidified his rapid ascent in global rankings and established him as a formidable international competitor.
Training Regimen and Partnership with World No. 1
Wadhwa conducts periodic training sessions at the Sports Authority of India center in Gandhinagar. In Ahmedabad, he shares valuable practice sessions with Bhavina Patel, an Arjuna Awardee and World No. 1 singles player. The two athletes also combine forces in mixed doubles, where they currently hold World No. 10 ranking. "It has been approximately one and a half years since we began playing together regularly," Wadhwa explains. "Whenever possible, I dedicate three to four days specifically training alongside her to refine our coordination and strategy."
Overcoming Challenges with Family Support
International travel presents significant challenges for wheelchair athletes, yet Wadhwa describes these obstacles as essential components of his learning curve. His elder brother provides crucial support by accompanying him to overseas tournaments, managing logistics, and offering assistance throughout competitions. Back home in India, his parents serve as his emotional anchor, providing constant encouragement throughout his demanding athletic journey.
Balancing Multiple Passions with Clear Goals
Wadhwa has briefly revisited wheelchair modeling, returning to the interest he initially developed during his university years. However, table tennis remains his central focus and primary passion. The current season is exceptionally packed with competitions and training commitments:
- National championships in Indore this week
- Tour of Italy scheduled for March
- Para Asian Games in Japan during October
- World Championships in Thailand in November
- Ultimate goal: Paralympic qualification
"After the accident, I essentially had to start from absolute zero," Wadhwa reflects. "Table tennis provided me with renewed direction, purpose, and identity. It transformed my perspective on what's possible after life-altering challenges." His story serves as powerful testament to human resilience, demonstrating how determination and passion can overcome even the most daunting physical obstacles.
