Asian Games 2026: India lose to North Korea in women’s table tennis quarter-finals
(Courtesy : @sreejaakula31/Instagram)
Both Indians exited the competition on Tuesday
India’s hopes of a medal in table tennis team events ended after the women’s team crashed out following a 0-3 defeat to North Korea at the Asian Games 2026
India, who stunned 2022 bronze medallist Thailand in the previous round, were just a win away from securing a historic first team medal in women’s team event.
But those dreams were short-lived as Sreeja Akula, Yashaswini Ghorpade, and Diya Chitale lost their respective singles ties to hand a comfortable win to North Korea at the Sky Hall Toyota.
After a thrilling performance in the round of 16 win over Thailand, it was Sreeja who opened the contest for India. However, Akula suffered a straight-games 7-11, 6-11, 5-11 loss against the defending Asian Games singles champion, Kim Kum Yong.
Ghorpade then faced Pyon Song Gyong in the second singles tie. However, the 21-year-old could not maintain her unbeaten streak at the Asian Games, losing 4-11, 3-11, 6-11 and putting India on the cusp of elimination.
Diya Chitale then took on Cha Su Yong, needing a win to keep her team in the contest. The 23-year-old Indian paddler, however, could not mount much of a resistance, losing 9-11, 7-11, 8-11 in straight games.
Table tennis teams end without medals
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India’s table tennis teams failed to clinch any medals in the men’s and women’s team events. Earlier on Tuesday, the men’s team suffered a 3-0 loss to South Korea in the round of 16 stage.
Harmeet Desai lost 3-1 to Jang Woojin, Manush Shah lost 3-2 to Oh Junsung, and Manav Thakkar lost in straight games to An Jae-hyun.
Meanwhile, the singles and doubles campaigns are yet to begin. Thakkar, Akula, and Ghorpade received byes into the round of 32 in the singles event, while Shah is scheduled to face Malaysia’s Qi Shen Wong.
Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s doubles teams received byes into the round of 32. The mixed doubles pair of Desai and Ghorpade also received a bye into the round of 32, while Payas Jain and Chitale received a bye into the round of 16.
Who won the India vs North Korea women’s team table tennis quarter‑final at Asian Games 2026?
North Korea won 3‑0, eliminating India from the tournament. Sreeja Akula, Yashaswini Ghorpade, and Diya Chitale lost their singles ties.
How did India perform in men’s & women’s team table tennis events at Asian Games 2026?
India lost 3‑0 to South Korea in the Round of 16 of the men’s team event. India reached the women’s team quarter‑finals after beating Thailand but lost 3‑0 to North Korea.
How many medals have India won so far at the Asian Games 2026?
India’s medal tally stands at 7 medals – 1 gold, 4 silvers, and 2 bronze.
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