The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has officially announced the six-member squad that will represent India at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Leading the team are seasoned players Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra, who bring a wealth of experience and notable achievements to the table.
Sharath Kamal, at 41, is set to make his fifth and final Olympic appearance, a remarkable milestone in his illustrious career. He remains India’s top-ranked men’s singles table tennis player at world No. 40.
Joining him on the men’s team are Manav Thakkar, ranked 62nd globally, and national champion Harmeet Desai, who holds the world No. 63 spot. Together, they form a formidable trio aiming for success in both the team and singles events.
Manika Batra, currently at a career-best world No. 24 following a stellar performance at the Saudi Smash, will spearhead the women’s team. This will be her third successive Olympic Games. Accompanying her are Sreeja Akula, ranked 41st, and Archana Kamath, ranked 103rd. This selection marks a historic moment as it will be the first time India fields teams in both men’s and women’s table tennis events at the Olympics, a category introduced in Beijing 2008.
Gnanasekaran Sathiyan, who has been a crucial part of India’s gold medal-winning teams at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022, did not make the main squad. However, he has been named as a reserve player, ready to step in if required. Ayhika Mukherjee, ranked 122nd, is the reserve for the women’s team.
The selection process was based on world rankings, ensuring that the best players will represent India on the global stage. Sharath Kamal and Harmeet Desai will compete in the men’s singles, while Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula will take on the women’s singles.
The Indian teams secured their Olympic spots based on their rankings as of March, which granted them team quotas and subsequently two spots each in the men’s and women’s singles events. The inclusion of team events at Paris 2024 provides a broader platform for Indian players to showcase their talents and strive for Olympic glory.
Former Italian table tennis player Massimo Costantini, a respected figure in the sport, will take charge as the coach of the Indian team next week. Costantini’s appointment is expected to bolster the team’s preparation and strategy as they gear up for the prestigious event.
Indian Table Tennis Squad for Paris 2024 Olympics:
Men’s team: Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar; Reserve player: G. Sathiyan
Men’s singles: Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai
Women’s team: Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, Archana Kamath; Reserve player: Ayhika Mukherjee
Women’s singles: Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula
As the countdown to the Olympics begins, all eyes will be on Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, and their teammates as they embark on their journey to Paris, carrying the hopes and aspirations of a nation with them.
