Mixed Fortunes for India at the 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships
The 2025 ITTF World Table Tennis Championships brought a mix of disappointment and promise for Indian fans, as top paddlers Manika Batra, Diya Chitale, and Manav Thakkar bowed out of the singles draw, while Yashaswini Ghorpade and Diya Chitale kept hopes alive in women’s doubles with a solid run into the Round of 16.
Manika Batra Falls in second Round
India’s No. 1 female paddler Manika Batra suffered a shocking defeat in the women’s singles Round of 64, losing in straight games to Park Gah Yeon of South Korea. The 8-11, 7-11, 5-11, 8-11 loss was not just unexpected—it was disheartening, as Park is ranked significantly lower than Batra in the world rankings.
Coming into the event with experience and recent form on her side, Manika never quite found her rhythm. She looked uncomfortable against Park’s pace and failed to build any momentum throughout the match. Her unforced errors mounted and her signature long pimpled backhand couldn’t disrupt the South Korean’s consistent rallies.
This early exit is yet another disappointing chapter in Manika’s post-Olympic journey, where expectations continue to outweigh her recent performances in major championships. Her campaign in Doha ends with more questions than answers.
Diya Chitale Battles but Falls to 10th Seed Cheng I-Ching
India’s reigning national champion Diya Chitale had a tough task ahead of her in the women’s singles Round of 64, taking on World No. 10 Cheng I-Ching from Chinese Taipei. Despite flashes of aggression and a brief comeback to take the fourth game, Diya went down 3-11, 7-11, 6-11, 11-6, 5-11.
Cheng’s experience and placement overwhelmed Diya for most of the match, but the 21-year-old showed promise, especially in the fourth game where she dictated play with strong forehands and clever angles. Though she exits the singles draw, her presence in doubles continues to draw attention.
Gutsy Show by Manav Thakkar vs Harimoto
Manav Thakkar, India’s highest-ranked men’s singles player, faced a formidable challenge in the form of Tomokazu Harimoto, the world No. 4 from Japan. While the result was a 2-4 loss (11-13, 3-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9, 3-11), Manav left the court with his head held high.
He took two games off one of the world’s best, saved two game points in the opening game, and pushed Harimoto with aggressive topspin and brave counters. The match revealed Manav’s growth as a serious international contender, especially on the big stage. Despite the loss, his performance was the standout among India’s singles players at the Championships.
Women’s Doubles Silver Lining: Diya & Yashaswini March Into R16
While singles results have mostly gone against Indian players, Yashaswini Ghorpade and Diya Chitale have quietly impressed in the women’s doubles. The young Indian pair have now reached the Round of 16, showing composure and smart tactical play in both their earlier rounds.
Their chemistry and attacking intent have given Indian fans something to cheer about in an otherwise underwhelming campaign. With top pairs from China, Japan, and Korea still in the mix, the road ahead remains tough, but this run already marks one of the best doubles performances by Indian women at the Worlds in recent times.
Summary of Indian Results – ITTF World Championships 2025
Women’s Singles
- Manika Batra lost to Park Gah Yeon (8-11, 7-11, 5-11, 8-11) – R64
- Diya Chitale lost to Cheng I-Ching (3-11, 7-11, 6-11, 11-6, 5-11) – R64
Men’s Singles
- Manav Thakkar lost to Tomokazu Harimoto (11-13, 3-11, 11-9, 6-11, 11-9, 3-11) – R64
Women’s Doubles
- Yashaswini Ghorpade / Diya Chitale – Advanced to Round of 16 ✅
Final Word
The early exits of Batra, Chitale, and Thakkar in singles underline the work that remains for Indian table tennis on the global stage. Manika’s loss to a lower-ranked opponent will sting the most, especially as expectations continue to rest on her shoulders in big tournaments. However, Manav’s fighting spirit and the doubles progression by Diya and Yashaswini offer silver linings for Indian fans.
With mixed doubles and further doubles matches still to come, all eyes will now turn to whether India can make a deeper run in the team categories.
Stay tuned to IndiaSportsHub for daily updates from the ITTF World Championships 2025.
