The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has unveiled a six-member Indian contingent for the table tennis events at the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024. Veteran paddler Achanta Sharath Kamal and World No. 24 Manika Batra will lead the men’s and women’s teams, respectively.
This Olympics marks a historic milestone for Indian table tennis, as it is the first time the country will field teams in both the men’s and women’s team events. The team events were introduced to the Olympic program at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Achanta Sharath Kamal, at 41 years old and currently ranked 40th in the world, is set to make his fifth Olympic appearance, a record for an Indian table tennis player. He will be joined by Harmeet Desai, ranked 63rd, and Manav Thakkar, ranked 62nd, in the men’s team event. G Sathiyan, a two-time Commonwealth Games gold medalist, missed out on the main squad but has been named as the reserve player.
In the singles events, Sharath Kamal and Harmeet Desai will represent India in the men’s category. Sharath’s extensive experience and Harmeet’s rising profile make them strong contenders for the tournament.
Leading the women’s team, Manika Batra, ranked 24th in the world, will be joined by Sreeja Akula, ranked 41st, and Archana Kamath, ranked 103rd. Ayhika Mukherjee has been selected as the reserve player. Manika and Sreeja have secured the two qualifying spots for India in the women’s singles based on their world rankings.
The selection of the contingent was conducted by the TTFI senior selection committee, which adhered strictly to the latest world rankings as per the criteria announced earlier. The selection process was straightforward for most positions, but the third spot in the women’s team was highly competitive. Archana Kamath ultimately edged out Ayhika Mukherjee after a thorough evaluation on various parameters.
Massimo Costantini of Italy, who is set to take over as the Indian team’s coach next week, was a special invitee for the selections. His experience and expertise are expected to provide a significant boost to the team’s preparation and performance at the Olympics.
Indian table tennis has seen remarkable success in recent years, with players like Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, and G Sathiyan achieving significant milestones at major international competitions such as the Commonwealth Games and Asian Games. The team’s achievements have not only raised the profile of the sport in India but also inspired a new generation of players.
Sharath Kamal’s leadership and experience, combined with the youthful energy and talent of players like Manika Batra, Harmeet Desai, and Sreeja Akula, create a balanced and formidable team. The inclusion of seasoned players and rising stars shows the depth of talent in Indian table tennis.
As the Indian table tennis team gears up for the Paris Olympics 2024, the focus will be on rigorous training and strategic preparation to make a mark on the global stage. The historic participation in both the men’s and women’s team events is a significant achievement, and the team’s performance will be closely watched by fans and sports enthusiasts across the country.
