In an unprecedented achievement at the WTT Star Contender 2025 tournament held in Foz do Iguaçu, Brazil, India made history as two doubles teams reached the finals for the first time ever. The men’s doubles pair of Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar, alongside the mixed doubles team of Manush Shah and Diya Chitale, triumphed over world-class opponents to advance.
Bolstered by strong support from the Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), both pairs are now preparing to compete for the coveted titles. This milestone signals a new era for Indian table tennis and reflects the growing capabilities and ambitions of the country on the world stage.
Historic Doubles Success and Players’ Perspectives
The remarkable feat of having two Indian doubles teams in the finals at a WTT Star Contender event is a testament to sustained hard work and dedication. Manush Shah, the player pivotal to both pairs, shared his pride and excitement, underlining that this moment was years in the making. He attributed their success not only to intense training and strategy but also to the chemistry developed with his partners, Manav Thakkar in men’s doubles and Diya Chitale in mixed doubles.
The men’s doubles team, entering the tournament as the top seeds, battled fiercely against experienced pairs from Japan, France, and Chinese Taipei. Each match tested their resilience and tactical acumen. Meanwhile, the mixed doubles duo delivered a straight-games win in the semifinal, an indicator of their strong compatibility and coordination under pressure. Both teams have received commendations for their grit and determination, with national and international commentators highlighting the significance of their breakthrough.
Manush Shah also lauded the role of the Sports Authority of India and the Table Tennis Federation of India, whose support in training, infrastructure, and international exposure was crucial. These bodies have been stepping up efforts to promote table tennis talent, providing much-needed resources and expert guidance to nurture India’s rising stars.
Road to the Finals: Building Momentum
This historic milestone is the result of a carefully nurtured progression marked by consistent international performances earlier in the year. Notably, the mixed doubles pair had already claimed a prestigious title at the WTT Contender Tunis event, signaling their readiness to take on bigger challenges. The steady rise of Indian players in global ranking points has opened doors to compete at higher-tier events, exposing them to diverse playing styles and environments.
The intensive practice routines, mental conditioning, and strategic planning contributed significantly to the players’ confidence and adaptability during matches at Foz do Iguaçu. The tournament acts as a springboard, revealing India’s emerging strength in doubles formats on the global table tennis circuit. Their success also emphasizes the importance of teamwork in a sport often spotlighting individual accomplishments.
This breakthrough positions India to become a more competitive presence internationally and inspires younger players dreaming of making their mark. With continued investment in grassroots development and international exposure, this turning point could herald a new era of Indian dominance and consistency in world table tennis.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, this milestone represents much more than a sporting achievement; it reflects how patience, teamwork, and systemic support can produce excellence. It underscores the value of fostering an ecosystem rooted in kindness, empathy, and dialogue—qualities that translate well beyond the sporting arena. While intense competition fuels ambition, it is the spirit of collaboration and mutual respect that sustains lasting success.
As these Indian athletes inspire the nation and the global community, their journey encourages us to think about how sports can nurture social harmony and peaceful cooperation. The victory of teamwork over adversity serves as a metaphor for progress through unity, transcending divisions and boundaries.
