India will make history at the upcoming Paris Olympics with the participation of its men’s and women’s table tennis teams in the team event for the first time ever. Leading the charge will be Commonwealth Games medallist A. Sharath Kamal and world No. 24 Manika Batra, spearheading the respective squads.
The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) senior selection committee has carefully chosen a six-member squad, adhering to the Olympic regulations, with three players representing each gender. The men’s team will comprise Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, and Manav Thakkar, showcasing a blend of experience and emerging talent. On the women’s side, Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath will form the formidable trio.
To provide further depth and cover for potential contingencies, G. Sathiyan and Ayhika Mukherjee have been named as the alternate players for the men’s and women’s teams respectively. This strategic selection demonstrates the strong bench strength within Indian table tennis and underscores the team’s readiness for the challenging competition ahead.
The inclusion of both the men’s and women’s teams in the Paris Olympics marks a significant milestone for Indian table tennis. It reflects the sport’s steady growth and the emergence of a new generation of talented players who are poised to make their mark on the global stage. With the experienced leadership of Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra guiding the squads, India will be looking to make a strong impact at the Games and leave a lasting legacy on the international table tennis arena.
