Why should India only focus on mixed doubles in Table Tennis

Indian table tennis has seen commendable progress in recent years, but the road to an Olympic medal remains steep, especially in the singles and team events. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics offer little hope for India’s singles players, while the men’s and women’s teams continue to fall short against global giants like China, Japan, South Korea, and the European nations. Despite consistent efforts, India’s position as the third-best team in Asia doesn’t seem to hold much weight on the Olympic stage, where competition is even fiercer.

However, the mixed doubles category provides a glimmer of hope for India. With strategic focus and the right pairings, this event could be India’s best shot at an Olympic medal.

Harsh Reality of Singles and Team Events

Indian table tennis players have consistently found themselves outclassed by their international counterparts in singles events. The Chinese, Japanese, South Korean, and European players are far more skilled and experienced at every level. This has resulted in India’s singles players rarely making a significant impact on the global stage, let alone at the Olympics.

In the men’s and women’s team events, while India has performed well in some Asian competitions, the gap between them and the top teams is still vast. India’s consistent third-place finishes in some Asian events might seem promising, but when placed in the context of global competition at the Olympics, these achievements lose their sheen. The European paddlers, along with the usual Asian powerhouses, make the team events a challenging arena for India.

Why Mixed Doubles Offers Hope

Mixed doubles, on the other hand, presents a different scenario for Indian table tennis. India has a history of success in this category, most notably with the pair of Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, who once ranked as high as world number four. This achievement highlighted India’s potential in mixed doubles. However, the pairing later lost momentum as both players shifted focus to their singles careers, which led to their eventual downfall.

The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has a unique opportunity to revitalise the country’s mixed doubles prospects. By placing razor-sharp focus on this category and investing in the development of new partnerships, India could once again rise to the top in mixed doubles and possibly clinch a historic Olympic medal.

Rise and Fall of Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

Manika Batra and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran’s mixed doubles pairing created a sensation on the world stage. Their chemistry on the court, complemented by their individual strengths, allowed them to compete with the best. However, as both athletes began focusing more on their singles careers, the partnership faltered. This highlights the need for a dedicated approach to mixed doubles if India is to achieve success.

Currently, both players have parted ways and are exploring new partnerships. Manika Batra has teamed up with Manav Thakkar, while Sathiyan has joined forces with Sreeja Akula. Both of these new pairings bring promise, but they will need time to develop the kind of chemistry that Batra and Sathiyan once had. If they are given the right support and focus, India could be looking at a potential mixed doubles medal in 2028.

Lessons from Recent Performances from Indian Table Tennis

India’s recent performances in major tournaments reflect both the progress and the limitations of its table tennis programme. At the 2024 Asian Table Tennis Championships, the Indian women’s team secured a bronze, continuing their upward trajectory. Similarly, the men’s team also claimed a bronze in 2023 competition, showing resilience against tough competition. However, these achievements need to be viewed in the context of the global stage, where India still lags behind the top teams.

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, India’s table tennis campaign ended without a medal, with the women’s team reaching the quarter-finals as their best result. In singles, Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula made history by reaching the round of 16, but this wasn’t enough to challenge the world’s best. These results further emphasise that while India is making strides in table tennis, breaking through at the Olympics remains a daunting task.

Strategic Focus on Mixed Doubles for LA 2028 Olympics

With the team and singles events proving difficult, India should prioritise mixed doubles as the primary focus for the 2028 Olympic cycle. Mixed doubles offers a more level playing field, where India’s players can compete more effectively against global talents. By honing the skills of promising mixed doubles pairs, India can make a significant impact in international tournaments leading up to the Olympics.

The new pairing of Batra and Thakkar has potential, especially with Thakkar’s defensive play complementing Batra’s attacking style. Similarly, Sathiyan’s partnership with Akula combines tactical play with aggressive strokes, creating a partnership that could compete at the highest level. With proper training, international exposure, and continued practice, these pairs could challenge the world’s best by 2028.

Conclusion: Mixed Doubles is India’s Best Bet

India’s best chance for an Olympic medal in table tennis lies in the mixed doubles category. While the men’s and women’s teams have shown improvement, expecting a breakthrough at the Olympics, especially in singles, is unrealistic given the current global competition. Mixed doubles, however, offers a more promising route to success.

The Table Tennis Federation of India must recognise this opportunity and invest heavily in building world-class mixed doubles teams. With the right strategy, training, and focus, India could finally achieve an Olympic podium finish in Los Angeles 2028.