Indian Table Tennis Teams Fall Short of Paris Olympic Quotas at World Championships in Busan
Dara Singh Chahal,
Pune, 22nd Feb 2024: India’s aspirations for securing Paris 2024 Olympic quotas in table tennis were dashed as both the men’s and women’s teams faltered in their pre-quarterfinal ties at the World Team Table Tennis Championships Finals 2024 in Busan, the Republic of Korea.
The defeats mark the end of India’s quest to obtain team quotas for the Paris Olympics from the World Team Table Tennis Championships, a chance that would have materialized had they advanced to the quarter-finals.
The Indian women’s team, ranked 17th globally, faced a tough challenge against world No. 4 Chinese Taipei, ultimately succumbing to a 3-1 defeat in their round of 16 encounter. Despite a strong start by Manika Batra, the team couldn’t maintain momentum, with key matches slipping away.
Similarly, the Indian men’s table tennis team, ranked 15th worldwide, encountered formidable opponents in world No. 5 South Korea, suffering a 3-0 defeat in their pre-quarterfinal clash. Despite efforts from top-ranked players like Harmeet Desai and Sharath Kamal, the team couldn’t secure crucial victories.
Although the dream of securing Olympic quotas from the World Team Table Tennis Championships has ended, there remains hope for Indian table tennis as they can still obtain quotas through world team rankings. A total of 16 table tennis teams will compete in each of the men’s and women’s events at the Paris Olympics.
The Indian teams’ journey at the World Team Table Tennis Championships showcased moments of promise and determination. Despite falling short of their ultimate goal, their participation underscores India’s growing presence and ambition in the global table tennis arena.
Looking ahead, Indian table tennis enthusiasts anticipate future opportunities for the teams to shine on the international stage. While the quest for Olympic quotas may have ended at Busan, the experience gained from competing against top-ranked opponents will undoubtedly fuel their determination for future success.
As India continues its pursuit of excellence in table tennis, the World Team Table Tennis Championships serve as a testament to the nation’s commitment to the sport’s growth and development on the global platform.
