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Table Tennis

Five greatest table tennis players from India

Published at :July 1, 2023 at 2:35 AM
Modified at :July 4, 2023 at 5:15 AM
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India have produced some very talented paddlers over the years.

Ping pong, commonly known as table tennis, is a quick-moving activity that has become quite well-liked in India. The sport has expanded significantly over the years, drawing skilled athletes, passionate spectators, and major government sponsorship.

On the international scene, Indian table tennis players have achieved extraordinary success. They have routinely fared well in high-profile competitions such as the Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, and World Championships. This accomplishment has raised the prominence of Indian table tennis and gained the attention and appreciation of the world table tennis community.

From its modest origins, Indian table tennis has advanced significantly to become a major player on the world scene. The level of popularity and success has increased as a result of players' commitment, improved infrastructure, and government assistance.

ndian table tennis is positioned for a bright future thanks to the leadership of great players like Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra. It is a sport that has sparked national interest and has the potential to continue motivating future generations of young players, putting India on the world stage of top-tier table tennis.

Here are the top five greatest table tennis players from India:

5. Achanta Sharath Kamal

One of India's best table tennis players is largely recognised as Sharath Kamal. He has a record ten national championships under his belt and has competed for India four times at the Olympics. One of India's top table tennis players, Kamal is known for his excellent abilities and reliable performances having won eight gold medal at the Commonwealth Games, with three of them coming in the previous edition at Birmingham.

Sharath Kamal, the top-ranked men's player in singles, is renowned for his extraordinary talent and dependability, serves as an inspiration for budding Indian table tennis players. His playing style mixes rapid agility, defensive prowess, and aggressive shots. Kamal has become well-known and respected in the world of table tennis thanks to his commitment to the game, solid work ethic, and mental toughness.

4. Manika Batra

Manika Batra has had a huge effect on the world of table tennis. She rose to fame by winning several medals at the Asian and Commonwealth Games 2018, including a historic gold in the women's singles division at the Commonwealth Games. Batra is well-known in Indian table tennis thanks to her playing style and dependable results. The accomplishments of Manika Batra have motivated a new generation of Indian youth athletes.

After a moderate first-half season last year, she rose to the occassion when required by winning the bronze medal at the prestigious Asian Cup where top paddlers across Asia participate. For aspiring table tennis players, particularly female athletes, the Khel Ratna awardee has emerged as a role model. She has become one of the most well-known representatives of Indian table tennis as a result of her success, which has attracted praise and attention from the wider sports community.

3. Kamlesh Mehta

Kamlesh Mehta was a well-known table tennis player in the 1980s and the early 1990s. He won eight national championship titles a record held for two decades; and competed for India in many international events, such as the Asian and Commonwealth Games.

Kamlesh Mehta pictured during his playing days (Credit: Sportstar)

Mehta's talents and accomplishments have had a long-lasting effect on Indian table tennis. After his playing days he worked to develop new talent and enhance the sport's infrastructure as a coach and administrator. Mehta has gained prominence in Indian table tennis as a result of his experience and knowledge.

2. Mouma Das

Mouma Das has made a significant contribution to the growth of the game in the nation. Her accomplishments have served as an example for many aspiring table tennis players and have increased the sport's popularity in India. The 39-year-old made her debut at the World Championships in 1997 and reached the third round. Since then Mouma had represented India a record 17 times which is the joint most from Asian countries.

She has played in four successive Olympic Games from 2004 to 2016 and has overall played 400 plus matches in a career spanning for more than two decades.

1. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

Sathiyan is renowned for his cheerful outlook, sportsmanship, and perseverance in addition to his accomplishments on the table. The 30-year-old has garnered a number of medals in competitions, including a gold medal in the men's doubles competition at the Commonwealth Games 2018.

Sathiyan was ranked as high as 24 in the men's singles ranking which is the highest an Indian has achieved till date. He also became the first Indian paddler to sign a contract with Okayama Rivets for the Japanese T-league. His major success came in 2019 when he defeated Japan's Olympic medallist Tomokazu Harimoto in Asian championships and became the first Indian to reach the quarter-finals stage after a gap of 43 years.

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