Bhubaneswar : In Bhubaneswar, at the 2025 Asian Table Tennis Team Championships, a fresh and youthful Indian men’s team reached the quarterfinals — a performance head coach Massimo Costantini termed a “good start from the young crop.”
A Bold New Look
This year’s Indian squad is markedly different. Veterans like Sharath Kamal (now retired), G Sathiyan (absent for personal reasons), and Harmeet Desai have been omitted from the men’s side, paving the way for younger names to step in.
Among the newcomers are Ankur Bhattacharjee (18), Payas Jain (21), Snehit Suravajjula (25) — bringing fresh energy to a side whose average age hovers around 22.
Costantini acknowledged the gamble:
> “With these shuffled cards, it will be a little bit more unpredictable. But of course, we are ready, especially to play our best at home.”
“Finishing fourth last year and winning bronze gives us a direct entry into the quarterfinals, so making a medal will depend on one crucial match.”
Road to the Quarterfinals & the Exit
Because India secured bronze in the previous edition, the men’s team automatically qualified for the quarterfinals without playing a group stage. There, they faced a stern test in Hong Kong, a side traditionally strong in Asian table tennis.
The match did not go in India’s favor — the team bowed out with a 0–3 defeat. Still, Costantini viewed this not just as an exit, but as a moment of learning and foundation-building.
Beyond the Result: What This Quarterfinal Means
Confidence & exposure: For many in this young crop, this was their first major continental test. Competing against top Asian teams gives exposure to high-stakes pressure situations.
Benchmarking quality: India’s opponents — China, Japan, Hong Kong, South Korea — remain the benchmark. Costantini emphasized that while those nations are traditionally strong, India is “steadily gaining ground.”
A look ahead: This tournament also doubles as qualification for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships — top 13 teams move on. Strong performance here could open doors globally.
Infrastructure & investment matters: The coach applauded Odisha and India’s push for better facilities, calling sports infrastructure “investing in the future.”
Names to Watch & Road Ahead
Even as the team exits this year’s Asian Championships early, a few names stand out:
Manav Thakkar remains India’s top hope among the youth (he is inside the world’s top 50 spots).
Ankur Bhattacharjee made headlines recently, jumping 31 spots in the WTT rankings after qualifying for the main draw at the China Grand Smash.
For this young side, the takeaway is clear: the quarterfinal finish is no failure, but a stepping stone. The true measure will be how they build on it — in training, in international exposure, and in consistency. If India wants to challenge the continental monoliths in Asia, that next step must be brave, persistent, and methodical.
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