India Creates Table Tennis History: Double Finals Entry at WTT Star Contender 2025

India Creates Table Tennis History: Double Finals Entry at WTT Star Contender 2025

India has scripted a golden chapter in its table tennis journey at the WTT Star Contender Foz do Iguaçu 2025 in Brazil, with two doubles teams reaching the finals—a historic first for the country at this prestigious tournament level.

At the heart of this unprecedented achievement is Manush Shah, who stormed into both the men’s doubles and mixed doubles finals, showcasing skill, resilience, and leadership throughout the campaign.

Manush Shah’s Stellar Run

In the men’s doubles, Shah teamed up with Manav Thakkar, and as top seeds, they battled past formidable opponents. They defeated Japan’s Satoshi Aida and Mizuki Oikawa 3-1 in the round of 16, edged France’s Florian Bourrassaud and Lilian Bardet 3-2 in the quarter-finals, and clinched a hard-fought 3-2 semi-final win against Huang Yan-Cheng and Kuo Guan-Hong from Chinese Taipei.

Meanwhile, in the mixed doubles, Shah partnered with Diya Chitale, with the duo also entering the tournament as top seeds. They secured a commanding 3-0 semi-final victory over Nicolas Burgos and Paulina Vega of Chile, after defeating Gustavo Gomez and Daniela Ortega 3-1 in the quarters.

This feat follows their recent success at the WTT Contender Tunis, where Shah and Chitale captured the mixed doubles title—only India’s second ever WTT Contender win in mixed doubles since the format revamp in 2021.

More Than Just Matches: A National Milestone

This remarkable double-final appearance reflects years of training, tactical growth, and on-court chemistry. Manush Shah credited their rise to intense practice, strategy, and strong partnerships. He also acknowledged the pivotal role of the Sports Authority of India and the Table Tennis Federation of India, whose investments in infrastructure and international exposure have enabled Indian talent to flourish.

As WTT Star Contender tournaments offer crucial ranking points, this achievement boosts India’s prospects for elite events like the WTT Champions and Grand Smashes—and potentially even the Olympics.

With history already made, all eyes are now on the finals. Can India clinch the titles? Regardless of the outcome, the message is clear: Indian table tennis has arrived on the global stage.