Manav-Manush Lead India's Table Tennis Medal Charge at Asian Games 2026!
Manav-Manush Lead India's Table Tennis Medal Charge at Asian Games 2026!
India's confident table tennis team, spearheaded by the world #3 Manush-Manav pair, begins its Asian Games 2026 campaign aiming for glory. Get ready to cheer them on!
The Indian table tennis contingent is all set to embark on its journey at the Asian Games 2026, brimming with confidence and a clear target: to secure at least one medal. The spotlight shines brightly on the formidable men's doubles pair of Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar, currently ranked third globally, who are considered India's strongest contenders for a podium finish.
Their consistent top form over the past year fuels high expectations for the continental mega-event.
The men's team kicks off its Group F campaign on Sunday, September 20, with matches against Indonesia and Iran. The women's team, also in Group F, faces Indonesia before taking on Singapore on the same day. This year's team features a blend of seasoned veterans and exciting young talent, including the rapid rise of 17-year-old Syndrela Das, who earned her spot after impressive domestic performances.
Experienced campaigners like G. Sathiyan, a bronze medalist in the 2018 Asian Games men's team event, Sreeja Akula, Y. D.
Ghorpade, Sutirtha, Payas Jain, and Harmeet Desai round out the 10-member squad.
The team arrived on September 16, allowing them crucial time to acclimatize to the conditions, including the specific tables and balls being used at the Games.
Manav Thakkar, making his third Asian Games appearance, expressed optimism, stating, "The preparations have been really good. The whole team has been playing very well in the past one month. We are going a little early to get used to the weather over there.
Our event starts from 20, so hopefully we try to do our best and try to take the medal home."
Manush Shah echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the pair's focus on consistency rather than being overwhelmed by expectations.
"Expectations are high from me and Manav.
We are one of the best in the world right now.
We will try to play our best, of course. The main focus will be to take it step by step, match by match," he remarked, adding that they aspire to match the high level they've maintained over the last year. India had an unexpected bronze in the last edition through the women's doubles duo of Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee, a feat the current team hopes to surpass.
The mixed doubles pair of Manush and Diya Chitale is also in strong form, adding another potential medal prospect for the nation.
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