It was a week to remember in Skopje as India’s Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah scripted an impressive campaign at the WTT Contender 2025. While the dream of lifting their maiden title just slipped through in the final, their remarkable run to the summit clash has firmly placed them among the rising forces in men’s doubles table tennis.
From the outset, the Indian pair looked confident and composed. Their journey began with a tough first-round match against the Puerto Rican duo of Angel Naranjo and Oscar Birriel. After a brief scare in the second game, the Indians bounced back strongly to clinch the match in four games. That early test seemed to unlock their rhythm.
In the subsequent rounds, Manav and Manush elevated their game, showing sharpness in attack and synchrony in defence. Their semi-final win over Romania’s Eduard Ionescu and Darius Movileanu was a standout moment—an assured and tactical performance that showcased their growing chemistry and belief.
The final was always going to be a massive challenge. Up against South Korea’s formidable pair, Lim Jong-hoon and Oh Junsung, the Indians started strong. They held a 9–6 lead in the first game and seemed poised to draw first blood. But the Koreans showed why they’re world-class — staging a stunning comeback to snatch the game 11–9. The momentum gradually shifted, and though Manav and Manush kept fighting, they eventually lost the match in straight games: 9–11, 7–11, 9–11.
Despite the loss, there was plenty to cheer about. This was the first time an Indian men’s doubles pair had reached the final of a WTT Contender event — a clear sign of progress. They also proved they could compete toe-to-toe with the world’s best. Both players have been working hard on refining their partnership, and their world ranking — now at 13 — reflects that upward trajectory.
Beyond the result, the Skopje campaign will be remembered for the resilience the pair displayed and the moments of brilliance they delivered under pressure. Whether it was their strategic timeouts, fearless third-ball attacks, or calm returns against fast-paced rallies, the Indians showcased a maturity that bodes well for future challenges.
For Manav and Manush, this is just the beginning. With more tournaments lined up, including the high-stakes WTT Star Contender in Ljubljana, their momentum is only set to grow. And with Paris 2024 still fresh in memory and the road to LA 2028 beginning to take shape, Indian table tennis might just have found its next big doubles act.
Their silver in Skopje is more than just a podium finish — it’s a signal. The world better take note: India’s paddlers are here to play, and they’
re not backing down.
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