Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is gearing up to host the 28th ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Championships from October 11 at the Kalinga Stadium Indoor Athletics Centre. The arrival of Asia’s top paddlers has already brought a focused, competitive energy to the city as teams settle in and begin preparations.
Indian Contingent Leads the Arrivals
The first to touch down was the 17-member Indian team, with Manav Thakkar leading the men’s squad (world No. 48 in singles) and Manika Batra anchoring the women’s team (world No. 46). Both are eager to make a strong impression on home soil.
Top Asian Teams Join the Fray
Following India, the Japanese squad arrived with 27 members, led by Tomokazu Harimoto, currently world No. 4 in men’s singles. The South Korean, Hong Kong, and Iranian teams also touched down, promising fierce competition.
China Set to Dominate
The powerhouse Chinese team, expected tomorrow, will showcase its star-studded lineup: Wang Chuqin (world No. 1 men’s singles), Lin Shidong (world No. 2 men’s singles), and Sun Yingsha (world No. 2 women’s singles). Their presence sets the stage for high-intensity clashes and thrilling matches.
Final Preparations Underway
Organizers are putting the finishing touches on the venue. Championship-grade flooring, specially flown in from China, has been installed, ensuring international-standard playing conditions. Starting tomorrow, 13 practice and warm-up tables will be available for teams to recover, train, and fine-tune strategies ahead of the competition.
Countdown to the Draw
All remaining national teams are expected to arrive by tomorrow evening, just ahead of the official draw on October 10, which will chart the path to the finals. With the world-class lineup and meticulously prepared facilities, Bhubaneswar is set to witness some of the finest table tennis action in Asia.
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