To echo the sentiment of every athlete’s journey, it’s often said that “a journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” In the realm of table tennis, this adage takes on new significance as the Indian men’s and women’s teams secure a historic spot in the Paris Olympics, marking their return to the team event for the first time since Beijing 2008.
In a groundbreaking development at the ITTF World Table Tennis Team Championships in Busan, both the Indian men’s and women’s table tennis teams are set to qualify for the Paris Olympics, marking a historic first for the country.
Despite facing losses in their pre-quarterfinal matches, the teams have secured the last world ranking spot, ensuring their participation in the team event at the Olympics.
India’s Return to Olympic Table Tennis Team Event Since Beijing 2008
This achievement marks India’s return to the team event of the Olympics in table tennis since its inclusion in the Beijing 2008 Games. The official list of team rankings is expected to be released on March 4, but preliminary calculations indicate that both Indian teams have successfully earned their spots for the Paris Olympics.
Excitement and Team Effort
Top Indian men’s player, Gnanasekaran Sathiyan, expressed the team’s excitement, emphasizing the long-awaited accomplishment. He credited the collective effort of players, coaches, support staff, federation, and SAI for this historic qualification.
The significance of qualifying as a team in both men’s and women’s categories is acknowledged as a remarkable milestone for Indian table tennis.
Intense Competition for Olympic Spots
With only 16 teams qualifying for the Olympic event, the competition is fierce, as three wins at the Olympics guarantee a medal. Additionally, the team event brings two guaranteed singles entries for the Olympics, heightening the stakes for the players.
The final decision on the team composition will be made by the Table Tennis Federation of India, creating an interesting competition among players like Harmeet Desai, Sharath Kamal, Sathiyan, and Manav Thakkar for the coveted spots.
Sharath Kamal’s Olympic Dream
Veteran Sharath Kamal, who has represented India at four Olympic Games, expressed his dream of playing in a team event at the Olympics. He highlighted the growth of the team, the camaraderie among players, and the genuine possibility of winning a medal in the team event, making it an unbelievable opportunity for him.
Sathiyan’s Focus on Singles Ranking
Gnanasekaran Sathiyan, who had temporarily shifted focus to mixed doubles, acknowledges the difficulty of winning a singles medal. He expressed the need to concentrate on improving his singles ranking for a better chance at winning a medal in the individual event.
Women’s Notable Victory Against Chinese Players
In the opening round of the tournament, Ayhika Mukherjee and Sreeja Akula achieved a significant feat by defeating Chinese World No.1 Sun Yingsha and World No.2 Wang Yidi, respectively. This victory marked the first time an Indian player had beaten a top Chinese player, showcasing India’s capability to surprise even the best in the sport.
Growth of Indian Table Tennis
Indian table tennis has been on an upward trajectory since Sharath Kamal’s medal at the 2006 Melbourne Commonwealth Games. The momentum continued, especially after Manika Batra’s success at the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, where she won four medals. The team’s growth multiplied with achievements like an Asian Games mixed doubles bronze and a women’s doubles bronze at the Hangzhou Asian Games, beating top Chinese pairs.
While the entire Indian contingent in Busan celebrates the historic qualification, they are aware that team spirit might have to take a backseat until the qualification window officially closes. The accomplishment is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and growth of Indian table tennis on the global stage.
Positive takeaway
India’s achievement in qualifying both men’s and women’s table tennis teams for the Paris Olympics marks a historic milestone, showcasing the nation’s growing prowess in the sport. The journey, filled with notable victories and individual successes, reflects the collective efforts of the players and the continuous upward trajectory of Indian table tennis.
