India Men and Women Advance to Knockout Stage at World Team Table Tennis Championships 2024
Delhi, 21 Febuary 2024: In a display of exceptional skill and determination, both the Indian men’s and women’s table tennis teams secured victories in their final group matches on Tuesday, securing their spots in the knockout stage of the World Team Table Tennis Championships 2024 held in Busan, the Republic of Korea.
Led by Manika Batra, the Indian women’s team orchestrated a remarkable comeback to defeat Spain 3-2, despite trailing 2-0 at one stage. Meanwhile, the Indian men’s team delivered a commanding performance, outplaying New Zealand with a clean sweep of 3-0.
The victories propelled both Indian teams into the knockout stages of the tournament. As per the competition format, the top eight group winners progressed directly to the round of 16, while the second and third-placed teams from each group advanced to the round of 24 for a chance to secure a spot in the top 16.
The Indian women’s team, finishing second in Group 1, showcased their resilience with victories against Hungary, Spain, and Uzbekistan, despite a loss to the formidable Olympic champions, the People’s Republic of China. On the other hand, the Indian men’s team secured victories over New Zealand and Chile but faced defeats against Poland and South Korea, securing third place in Group 3.
In a thrilling encounter against Spain, Ayhika Mukherjee, Manika Batra, and Sreeja Akula played pivotal roles in turning the tide in India’s favor. Despite initial setbacks, the Indian women’s team rallied to secure a memorable victory.
Later in the day, the Indian men’s team exhibited their prowess against New Zealand, with top-ranked players such as Harmeet Desai and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran delivering impressive performances.
With their entry into the knockout stages, both the Indian men’s and women’s table tennis teams are now one step closer to securing a coveted spot in the Paris 2024 Olympics. As they prepare to face tougher challenges ahead, they remain determined to make their mark on the global stage and secure Olympic quotas for their nation.
