For the first time in 52 years, India has won a women’s doubles medal at the Asian Table Tennis Championship. The Indian pair of Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Chakraborty achieved this remarkable feat by securing a bronze medal, making it a memorable moment in Indian table tennis history. Despite their hard-fought effort, they were outclassed in the semi-finals by Japan’s Miwa Harimoto and Miyu Kihara, losing 0-3.
Semi-Final Defeat to Japan
The semi-final match against the strong Japanese team was challenging for the Indian duo. In the first game, the Japanese pair quickly gained control, winning 11-4. Sutirtha and Ayhika tried to fight back in the second and third games but fell short, losing both games 9-11. Although the Indian team gave their best, the Japanese pair’s superior tactics and quick reflexes made the difference. With this result, the Indian team had to settle for the bronze, a historic achievement in itself.
A Stunning Quarterfinal Win Against South Korea
Before their semi-final loss, Sutirtha and Ayhika stunned everyone by defeating the South Korean pair of Kim Nayong and Lee Yunhae in the quarterfinals. The South Korean duo had previously won bronze at the Paris Olympics, making this win even more special for the Indian pair. Although they lost the first game 10-12, the Indians came back strong, winning the next three games 11-7, 11-9, and 11-8, securing their place in the semi-finals and guaranteeing a medal for India.
Other Indian Performances
India’s achievements in the Asian Table Tennis Championship weren’t limited to women’s doubles. In the men’s singles, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah also made headlines. Manav produced a stunning performance by defeating South Korea’s world number 14, Jang Woojin, in a thrilling 3-2 match, securing a spot in the pre-quarterfinals. Manush Shah also impressed by defeating South Korea’s Jaehyun 3-0, advancing to the last 16.
A New Chapter for Indian Table Tennis
This bronze medal in the women’s doubles event is a breakthrough moment for Indian table tennis. The Indian women’s team has been improving steadily, and this result in Astana, Kazakhstan, highlights their rise on the Asian stage. Earlier in the tournament, the Indian women’s team also claimed their first-ever team bronze by defeating South Korea in the quarterfinals, only to fall to Japan in the semi-finals.
On the men’s side, the Indian team continued to show their strength, winning their third bronze medal in the history of the Asian Table Tennis Championship. However, they too faced a tough defeat, losing 0-3 to Chinese Taipei in the semi-finals.
India’s success in the Asian Table Tennis Championship, especially in the women’s doubles, marks a new beginning for the sport in the country. With Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Chakraborty leading the way, Indian table tennis is making its mark on the global stage, showing that they can compete with the best in the world.
