List of Indian doubles pairs to reach top 10 of table tennis rankings

Manush Shah and Diya Chitale became the fourth Indian doubles pair to break into the top 10.

India’s rise in doubles table tennis has been one of the most promising and exciting developments in the sport over the past few years. Traditionally, table tennis doubles competition at the world level has been dominated by Asian powerhouses like China, South Korea, and Japan, with Chinese Taipei and Hong Kong also making notable contributions.

However, the landscape is beginning to shift. Indian pairs, once considered pushovers, are now becoming serious contenders on the global stage.

A new generation of Indian players, backed by improved infrastructure, international exposure, and professional coaching, has been making headlines with breakthrough performances at WTT events, World Championships, and in the ITTF world rankings.

From Manika Batra and Archana Kamath reaching a historic World No. 4 ranking in women’s doubles to Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra cracking the top 10 in mixed doubles, Indian duos are now challenging traditional hierarchies.

Most recently, the emergence of Manav Thakkar/Manush Shah and Diya Chitale/Manush Shah as top 10-ranked pairs in men’s and mixed doubles, respectively, underscores India’s growing depth in the doubles format.

Here we explore the four doubles pairs that have made history, taking Indian table tennis to heights never before seen, thereby inspiring the next generation to pick up the racquet and take up the sport.

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra (Mixed Doubles) – 2022

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra were the trailblazers, becoming the first Indian mixed doubles pair to crack the world’s top 10. Their historic run included a WTT Contender Budapest title in 2021 and a quarter-final appearance at the World Championships. 

Their achievement marked a turning point for Indian table tennis, proving that Indian pairs can compete with the best in the world.

Also Read: Five greatest table tennis players from India

Manika Batra and Archana Kamath (Women’s Doubles) – 2021

Manika Batra and Archana Kamath became the first Indian women’s doubles pair to reach the Top 10 in the ITTF world rankings, highlighted by a quarter-final finish at the 2021 World Championships. Along the way, they defeated several higher-seeded pairs, including a notable win over the world No. 5 Japanese duo at a WTT Star Contender event.

Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah (Men’s Doubles) – 2025

Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah made history by clinching the World No. 9 spot on the ITTF Men’s Doubles rankings. Their silver-medal finish at the WTT Contender Skopje 2025 highlighted their ability to thrive under pressure.

A month later, they bettered it by climbing to World No. 7 following runners-up finish at the WTT Star Contender Brazil. This was the career-best position in the division for the men’s doubles pair.

Also Read: Who are the all-time highest-ranked Indian table tennis players in each category?

Manush Shah and Diya Chitale (Mixed Doubles) – 2025

Manush Shah and Diya Chitale made history in 2025 by winning the mixed doubles title at the WTT Contender Tunis, becoming only the second Indian pair to win a WTT Contender mixed doubles crown.

In the final, they avenged an earlier defeat to Japan’s Sora Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto, who had beaten them earlier at the WTT Star Contender Doha. This victory over a higher-seeded Japanese duo was a testament to their bright future, and their consistent outings have earned them a top-10 debut.

They followed it with runners-up finish at the WTT Star Contender Brazil a month later to move to World No. 7, their career-best position in WTT rankings.

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