Latest Table tennis News | Top Table tennis News Headlines Today | Today India news | Breaking Table tennis News Today | English Table tennis News Headlines - TheDailyGuardian

Indian Olympian Archana Kamath Quits Table Tennis, Chooses Higher Education In The US

August 22, 2024, 10:43 am

Indian paddler Archana Kamath, who recently made history as part of the Indian women’s table tennis team by qualifying for the quarterfinals of the Paris Olympics, has announced her retirement from professional table tennis to pursue higher studies in the United States.

A Historic Olympic Achievement

Archana Kamath played a crucial role in the Indian women’s table tennis team’s historic run at the Paris Olympics, where they reached the quarterfinals for the first time ever. Despite their 1-3 loss to Germany, Kamath was the only Indian player to secure a game in the match, showcasing her talent on the world stage.

Decision to Retire and Pursue Studies

Just weeks after the Paris Olympics, Kamath made the surprising decision to retire from the sport. According to reports, her decision was influenced by the slim chances of winning a medal at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, a competition historically dominated by Chinese athletes. Kamath discussed her future prospects with her coach, Anshul Garg, who admitted that while it would be difficult, her mind was already made up.

“I told her that it’s difficult. It’s going to take a lot of hard work. She’s ranked outside the top 100 in the world, but she improved so much in the past couple of months. But I think she had already made up her mind to go. And once she makes up her mind, it’s difficult to change it,” Garg said in an interview with the Indian Express.

Financial Stability in Professional Sports

Kamath’s decision has sparked a broader conversation about the financial stability of professional athletes in India. While top athletes often receive ample support, Garg pointed out that upcoming players, like Kamath, face significant financial challenges despite receiving training and equipment support. This lack of financial security was a key factor in Kamath’s decision to retire.

“The top players generally don’t have any problem because they get a lot of support. But what about the upcoming players? Yes, they get support in terms of training and equipment. No expense is spared there, but what about a livelihood? That gets difficult, so Archana’s decision is understandable,” Garg added.

A Broader Issue in Indian Sports

Kamath’s retirement is not an isolated incident; many athletes in India have chosen to leave their sports careers due to financial concerns, raising serious questions about the sustainability of the Indian sports ecosystem. Kamath’s story highlights the need for better financial incentives and support systems for athletes who represent the nation at the highest levels.

As Archana Kamath embarks on a new journey in the United States, her decision to prioritize her future outside of sports serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by many professional athletes in India.

Google’s AI Robot Gives Tough Competition To Human Players In Table Tennis

August 13, 2024, 1:55 pm

In a groundbreaking experiment, DeepMind, Google’s AI company, tested the capabilities of their advanced robot by setting it against 29 table tennis players of varying skill levels. The aim was to evaluate the robot’s proficiency across different levels of play, from beginners to advanced players.

The research involved the robot competing in three-game matches with each player under standard table tennis rules, although modifications were made due to the robot’s inability to serve. The results were striking: the robot won 45% of the matches and 46% of the games overall. Specifically, it won all its matches against beginner players, lost all matches against advanced and advanced+ players, and secured victory in 55% of matches against intermediate players.

Barney J. Reed, a Professional Table Tennis Coach involved in the project, praised the robot’s performance. “Watching the robot compete with players of all levels and styles was truly impressive. Our goal was to achieve an intermediate level of play, and the robot not only met this expectation but exceeded it. The entire experience was a remarkable learning opportunity, and I’m grateful to have been part of it,” Reed said.

The experiment aimed to assess the robot’s “human-level performance” in terms of accuracy, speed, and adaptability. According to DeepMind, this study is the first of its kind to explore a robot playing a full competitive game against human opponents with no prior exposure.

This innovative research highlights the potential for AI in mastering complex tasks and provides new insights into the capabilities of robotic technology in competitive environments.

Manika Batra Makes Olympic History For India In Table Tennis

July 30, 2024, 3:35 pm

On Monday, Manika Batra etched her name in history by becoming the first Indian table tennis player to reach the singles pre-quarterfinals at the Olympic Games. The 29-year-old showcased a masterclass performance, defeating world number 18 and home favorite Prithika Pavade 4-0 in Paris. This remarkable victory came with game scores of 11-9, 11-6, 11-9, and 11-7, marking one of the most memorable matches for Indian table tennis at the Olympics.

Manika’s victory over the higher-ranked French player, Prithika Pavade, who has Indian roots, is a significant achievement. Reflecting on her win, Manika expressed her happiness, saying, “I am happy that I beat a French player in Paris. I defeated a higher-ranked player. I did not think of creating history and making the pre-quarters, there are more rounds, I will take it match by match and give my best as I always do.”

Manika’s strategy of targeting Pavade’s backhand proved effective, even though she initially planned to attack the forehand. “I had planned to play to her forehand as discussed with my coach, but I was getting the points on her backhand, so I did not change the tactics. I did play a few shots on her forehand too; I did not want her to think that I am playing only on her backhand,” she explained.

Prithika Pavade, 19, who was born in a Paris suburb to parents originally from Puducherry, had a commendable journey leading up to the Olympics. Ranked 18th in the world, Pavade had recently made her first WTT final appearance in June. However, she could not overcome Manika’s formidable challenge in this match.

The first game was closely contested, with both players exchanging points until Manika sealed it with a powerful forehand. She then dominated the second game, capitalizing on Pavade’s backhand errors. Despite Pavade’s efforts to stage a comeback, Manika’s relentless attacks on the backhand side secured her the third game and a comfortable 3-0 lead.

In the final game, Manika raced to a 10-5 lead, eventually winning the match when Pavade netted her backhand, concluding the game in 37 minutes. This victory not only marks a significant milestone for Manika Batra but also represents a proud moment for Indian table tennis on the global stage.

July 30 Olympics: Indian Athletes Gear Up For A Day Of Action In Badminton, Shooting, Tennis, And More!

July 30, 2024, 2:30 am

As the Olympic Games continue, July 30 promises an action-packed day with a diverse lineup of events. Here’s a comprehensive look at the schedule, featuring some of India’s top athletes competing across various sports.

Badminton: kicks off at 12 pm with group stage matches in both the men’s and women’s singles, where H.S. Prannoy and Lakshya Sen will represent India. P.V. Sindhu will also be in action in the women’s singles group stage. The men’s doubles group stage will feature Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty, while Tanisha Crasto and Ashwini Ponnappa will compete in the women’s doubles group stage.

Shooting: events start at 12:30 pm with qualifications in the Trap Men’s category, featuring Prithviraj Tondaiman, and the Trap Women’s category, with Rajeshwari Kumari and Shreyasi Singh. The 10m Air Pistol Mixed Team Medal Rounds will follow at 1 pm, subject to earlier qualification.

Table Tennis: fans can tune in at 1:30 pm for the Round of 32 matches in both men’s singles (Sharath Kamal and Harmeet Desai) and women’s singles (Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula).

Rowing: will see the Men’s Single Sculls Quarterfinals at 1:40 pm, depending on qualification results.

Boxing: matches start at 2:30 pm with the Men’s 51kg Round of 16 and continue at 3:50 pm with the Women’s 54kg Round of 16, subject to qualification.

Equestrian: enthusiasts can catch the Dressage Individual Day 1 featuring Anush Agarwalla at 2:30 pm.

Archery: will see action starting at 3:30 pm with the Men’s and Women’s Individual Round of 64, followed by the Round of 32 later in the afternoon.

Tennis: fans can enjoy the Men’s Singles 2nd round and Men’s Doubles 3rd round matches from 3:30 pm, contingent on earlier results.

Hockey: will feature a group stage match between India and Ireland at 4:45 pm.

Finally, Shooting: enthusiasts can look forward to the Men’s Trap Final at 7 pm, provided qualifications are met.

As the day unfolds, keep an eye on these exciting events and support our athletes as they strive for Olympic glory.

Indian Table Tennis Faces Tough Start at Paris 2024 Olympics

July 25, 2024, 11:50 am

The Indian table tennis team faces a tough start at the Paris Olympics 2024. In the men’s team event, they’ll meet defending champions China in the round of 16. This marks India’s first-ever qualification for this event at the Olympics.

Meanwhile, the women’s team will play against Romania in their round of 16 match. If they advance, they could meet Germany, the silver medalists from Rio 2016.

In women’s singles, India’s top player Manika Batra will begin against 18-year-old Anna Hursey from Great Britain. Manika, ranked 28th globally, has competed in two Olympics before this. It will be Anna’s first Olympic appearance.

Sreeja Akula, seeded 16th in women’s singles, will start her campaign against Christina Kallberg of Sweden. Christina had an early exit in Tokyo 2020.

For the men’s singles, veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal will face Deni Kozul of Slovenia, aiming for a strong start in his fifth Olympic appearance. Harmeet Desai will begin with a match against Zaid Abo Yaman of Jordan in the preliminary rounds.

The table tennis events will take place from July 27 to August 10 at the South Paris Arena during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

“Paris 2024 Olympics Will Be Best for Indian Table Tennis”: Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

May 7, 2024, 7:25 pm

Indian table tennis star and Commonwealth Games gold medalist Sathiyan Gnanasekaran expressed optimism about the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024, stating that it will be the best-ever for India’s table tennis contingent. He also reflected on his historic World Table Tennis (WTT) Feeder title win in Beirut earlier this year.

The Paris Olympics 2024, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, will witness India’s participation in the men’s and women’s table tennis team events for the first time. Gnanasekaran highlighted the significance of this achievement, emphasizing that both teams have been preparing rigorously for the event. He mentioned plans for a training camp in Europe to acclimatize to the conditions and engage in practice matches.

Gnanasekaran made history in March by becoming the first Indian to secure a WTT Feeder men’s singles title, defeating compatriot Manav Thakkar in the final. Reflecting on this triumph, he highlighted its significance in boosting his confidence after overcoming injuries and a period of poor form. He also praised the competitiveness of his fellow Indian player, Manav Thakkar.

Acknowledging the support received from various entities, including the central government’s Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) and Reliance Foundation’s sports science interventions, Gnanasekaran emphasized the unprecedented backing that players have received in recent years. He expressed confidence that with such sustained support, India will achieve significant success at the Olympics.

Sandeep Dangi secures bronze medal in para table-tennis

October 25, 2023, 3:56 pm

Sandeep Dangi won a bronze medal on Wednesday in the men’s singles class one para table-tennis competition, continuing the Indian contingent’s strong performance at the Para Asian Games in Hangzhou. “Amazing medal haul for at #AsianParaGames2022 continues the day.” Sandeep Dangi displays his incredible abilities by winning a Bronze in the Men’s Singles Table Tennis – Class 1 at the. This is the event’s second medal for table tennis. Cheerleader, congratulations! Keep your light shining! SAI Media tweeted, “#Cheer4India #Hallabol #JeetangeBharat #Praise4Para.”

Earlier, India paddler Bhavina Patel settled for a bronze medal after suffering a defeat in the women’s singles – Class 4 semifinals in the ongoing 4th Asian Para Games on Wednesday.
China’s Xiaodan Gu proved to be a major threat to the Indian paddler in the first game. Xiaodan running high on intensity clinched an 11-7 victory, but Bhavina bounced back in the following game to bring the match to parity with an 11-6 victory.

Indian paddler Reeth Rishya to compete in Paris Olympics

August 16, 2023, 12:03 pm

Indian master table tennis star Reeth Rishya Tennison is focusing on a spot in the upcoming Paris Olympics 2024 after winning the Ultimate Table Tennis Season 4 trophy with Goa Challengers.

Reeth became the first Indian female to win a senior pro tour in 2021 and has been evolving through the ranks and succeeding at the domestic as well as the international level.

After winning back-to-back in the UTT, Reeth is now thinking about sealing her place in India’s table tennis batch, but she needs to conquer a few challenges in order to make that happen.

Reeth said, “The ultimate goal for me will be Paris Olympics. I am working hard towards it, it is a year ahead of me so I am working hard towards it. I could also see a lot of improvement in my game like playing more WTT tournaments and improving my world ranking which is important for the next year to qualify for the Olympics apart from the WTT tournament there is a domestic tournament.”

Before Reeth competes in Paris Olympics, she will be a part of India’s Asian Games 2023 squad as a reserve.

World Table Tennis Star Contender tournament to be held in Goa

February 16, 2023, 6:22 pm

The highest level of the Table Tennis tournament ever to be played in India, the WTT Star Contender Goa is being hosted by the Government of Goa. The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) will also be the supporting partner of the tournament. It promises to be a treat of high voltage world-class Table Tennis action at the Dr Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor stadium from 27^th February to 5^th March.

Besides MA Long, who at 34 is one of Chinese Table Tennis’ foremost talents, another upcoming Chinese star Wang Chuqin, who is the current world number three in the men’s rankings, has also received one of the four WTT nominations. The 22-year-old won the WTT Cup Finals last year besides three other titles in a short but impressive career. The other two WTT nominations were picked up by the experience of senior German paddler Patrick Franziska in the men’s draw and Monaco’s Xiaoxin Yang in the women’s draw.

German world number 11 Dang Qiu and Korean world number 18 Jang Woojin picked up the men’s wildcards while Puerto Rican Adriana Diaz and senior Portuguese paddler Fu Yu were handed the wildcards in the women’s singles.

Besides the reigning Chinese Olympic Champions, the field also boasts of current world number one’s Fan Zhendong and Sun Yingsha, as well as such exciting talent as Tomakazu Harimoto and Hina Hayata of Japan and Trul Moregard of Sweden. The Indian challenge will be led by icon Sharath Kamal, besides the likes of Sathiyan Gnansekaran and Manika Batra.

CWG day 11: India eyes on Gold

August 8, 2022, 10:57 am

The tenth day of the Common Wealth Games, 2022, witnessed the laudable victory of the Indians across all the sports, including hockey, squash, table tennis, boxing and athletics, moving forward to the final day to cap off with some gold.

In order to complete the campaign on a successful note, players will be aiming for gold medals in their final few games. In the singles badminton competition, shuttlers Lakshya Sen and PV Sindhu will play their respective gold medal matches. India will compete against Australia in the men’s hockey tournament, with both countries aiming for gold.Achanta Sharath , table tennis champion, will also beg for gold in today’s match.

India’s stunning victory over New Zealand in the penalty shootout gave them the bronze medal in women’s hockey to start off the tenth day.

On the ninth day, boxers made the country proud. For India, Amit Panghal, Nitu Ganghas, and Nikhat Zareen won gold in their respective weight divisions.

Athletics didn’t lag behind either. Annu Rani won the bronze in the javelin throw. Abdulla Aboobacker, along with Eldhose Paul, begged for gold and silver in the men’s triple jump, and Sandeep Kumar made India proud with his bronze in the 10,000 m race walk.

Table tennis also earned a silver medal. In the men’s singles finals, the team of Achanta Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran won.

In squash, the mixed team of Dipika Pallikal and Saurav Ghosal won another racquet sport medal, winning a bronze medal.

Although they lost by nine runs against Australia in the thrilling championship game, the Indian women’s cricket team did a great job and earned a silver medal.

Last but not least, the Indian mixed doubles team of Achanta Sharath Kamal and Sreeja Akula earned a gold medal.

The following is the schedule for today:

Badminton (Gold Medal Matches)

Women’s Singles finals at 2:00 PM -PV Sindhu

Men’s Singles at 2:10 p.m. -Lakshya Sen, finals

Men’s Doubles at 3 p.m.-Chirag/Satwik

Table tennis begins at 3:30pm.

Hockey (Gold Medal Match)

5pm – India vs Australia.