Telangana’s Sreeja leads women’s challenge in Asiad
The Table Tennis Federation of India announced its ranking-based squad for the 2026 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya. Superstars Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula headline the women’s team, while G. Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai spearhead the men’s continent challenge With the 20th Asian Games set to be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has announced the Indian contingent, selecting players primarily based on world and national rankings. The selection process ensured that India’s highest-ranked and most consistent performers earned the opportunity to represent the country at Asia’s biggest multi-sport event. The table tennis events will be held between September 20 and 28. The men’s team will be spearheaded by experienced campaigners G. Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai, alongside national stalwarts Manav Vikas Thakkar and Manush Shah. Youngster Payas Jain has also earned his place in the five-member squad after a series of impressive performances on the domestic circuit and international stage. As reserves, Ankur Bhattacharjee and Ronit Bhanja remain on standby, ready to step in should the need arise. In the women’s section, former national champion Sreeja Akula leads a balanced squad that combines experience and emerging talent. Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee, and Syndrela Das form a competitive unit capable of challenging the continent’s strongest teams. Swastika Ghosh and Manika Batra have been named as reserves, reflecting the depth currently available in Indian women’s table tennis. The selection highlights India’s growing strength across both genders. By adhering to objective criteria based on world and national rankings, the federation has rewarded consistency and performance over an extended period. The inclusion of reserve players for both men and women also ensures that the squad remains prepared for any unforeseen circumstances before the Games. The Asian Games table tennis competition is expected to feature the continent’s elite, including powerhouses China, Japan, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei. For India, the selected squad represents a blend of proven performers and rising stars, offering hope of strong performances in both team and individual events. As the countdown to Aichi-Nagoya 2026 begins, the selected players now turn their focus toward preparation and fine-tuning their game. Carrying the aspirations of a nation, they will aim to showcase India’s continued rise in Asian table tennis and compete for podium finishes against the world’s very best.
