The Indian men’s wheelchair tennis team secured their first-ever bronze medal by defeating Chinese Taipei 3-0 at the Wheelchair Tennis World Team Cup Asia Qualification Event 2026 in Colombo. The team, including Shekar Veeraswamy, Basavaraj Kundargi, and Karthik Karunakaran, showcased a remarkable performance. Despite initial setbacks against Korea and Sri Lanka, the team bounced back with a strong 3-0 victory over Pakistan before sealing the bronze with another 3-0 win against Chinese Taipei.
India’s success in the tournament underscores its growing presence in wheelchair tennis in Asia, with players from Karnataka playing a pivotal role in the team’s achievements. Coach and captain Peter Vijay Kumar praised the team’s exceptional performance, emphasizing their unity, improvement, and resilience in a challenging competition. The bronze medal win marks a significant milestone for the Indian men’s team, highlighting their progress and potential in the sport.
In the women’s competition, India’s team, comprising Shilpa Kadukothanahalli Puttaraju, Prathima Narayana Rao, and Mubeena Kolakar, faced tough opponents in Korea, China, and Kazakhstan. Despite facing formidable players like Han Inkyung, Li Xiaohui, and Wang Ziying, the Indian women’s team displayed determination and skill throughout the tournament. While they faced defeats in their initial matches, their competitive spirit and performance against Kazakhstan showcased their resilience and potential for future success.
Following the Asia qualifiers, the Indian wheelchair tennis team will continue to participate in the ITF Wheelchair Tennis Tour, preparing for the upcoming World Team Cup qualification cycle. The tour offers valuable opportunities for ranking points and international exposure, enabling players to enhance their skills and compete on a global stage.
