The Sports Authority of India (SAI) has allocated over ₹90 lakh to support the Indian table tennis team at the ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships in London. The Indian contingent, consisting of 19 members including players, coaches, support staff, and sparring partners, is set to compete at the prestigious event. Notable players like Manika Batra, Gnanasekaran Sathiyan, Manav Thakkar, and Harmeet Desai will lead the charge in both men’s and women’s categories.
The Indian men’s team has been grouped with Slovakia, Tunisia, and Guatemala, while the women’s team will face Ukraine, Uganda, and Rwanda in the initial stages. Matches are scheduled from April 28 to May 1, with the Indian teams aiming to surpass their previous performance. The tournament serves as a crucial preparation ahead of future events like the Asian Games 2026 and the Commonwealth Games 2030.
In preparation for the World Team Table Tennis Championships, SAI organized training camps to enhance the team’s performance. A national coaching camp was conducted in Bengaluru followed by overseas training in Sheffield. This strategic approach aimed to improve match readiness and help players adapt to European playing conditions. SAI also provided funds to ensure the team’s participation, covering expenses like airfare, accommodation, allowances, and entry fees.
