The Indian table tennis contingent for the upcoming ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships will be led by star paddlers Manika Batra and Manav Thakkar. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place in Busan, South Korea, from February 16 to 25.
Indian Squads Announced
The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has announced the men's and women's teams that will represent the country at the world championships. The women's team will be spearheaded by Commonwealth Games gold medalist Manika Batra, while the men's side will be captained by Asian Games bronze winner Manav Thakkar.
Women's Team
The women's squad features Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, Ayhika Mukherjee, Sutirtha Mukherjee, and Diya Parag Chitale. Manika, ranked 34th in the world, brings a wealth of experience, having won multiple medals at the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. Sreeja Akula, currently ranked 95th, has shown consistent performances in recent international events. Ayhika and Sutirtha Mukherjee, the twin sisters, have been in good form, while Diya Parag Chitale is a promising young talent.
Men's Team
The men's team includes Manav Thakkar, Harmeet Desai, G. Sathiyan, Sharath Kamal, and Jeet Chandra. Manav Thakkar, ranked 57th globally, will lead the side. Harmeet Desai, ranked 79th, and veteran Sharath Kamal, ranked 88th, add depth and experience. G. Sathiyan, currently ranked 55th, is the highest-ranked Indian male player. Jeet Chandra, a rising star, completes the lineup.
Preparation and Expectations
The Indian paddlers have been training rigorously ahead of the championships. The team is expected to perform well and aim for a podium finish. India has been improving steadily in table tennis, and the world championships provide an opportunity to showcase their talent on a global stage.
The championships will feature top teams from around the world, including powerhouses like China, Japan, Germany, and South Korea. India will look to build on their recent successes, including a historic bronze medal at the 2022 Asian Games in the men's team event.
The tournament format includes group stages followed by knockout rounds. The top four teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals. India has been placed in a competitive group, and the team is focused on advancing to the later stages.
