Diya Chitale’s Power Play: From UTT to WTT Glory and LA 2028 Dream

At just 21, Diya Chitale has emerged as one of Indian table tennis’ brightest prospects. From an unforgettable run in UTT Season 6 to a historic WTT Contender title in Tunis, Diya’s 2025 season has been nothing short of electric.

Her aggressive playing style, mental resilience, and structured off-table routine have set her apart in a new era for Indian table tennis. In this candid conversation, Diya opens up about pressure, partnerships, and the long road to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.

From missing out on Paris to the Present

It’s impossible to talk about Diya’s 2025 without mentioning her high-octane showing in UTT Season 6, especially her heroic performance against Ananya Chande. With her team trailing 5-7, she stepped up in a high-pressure do-or-die moment and strung together an eight-point streak to snatch victory.

“I was mentally prepared for that situation,” Diya recalls. “I knew I had to win all three games. At 3-7 down in the final game, it was all about fighting for each point. I just focused on playing aggressively and sticking to my game plan.”

Facing a boisterous Kolkata crowd, Diya did what few young players can feed off the opposition’s energy.

“They had drums, chants, the whole atmosphere it was amazing for the sport. Honestly, that kind of noise fuels me. It pushes me to give everything on court.”

Diya’s ability to harness pressure and use crowd energy as motivation is rare. She describes herself as someone who thrives under tension.

“When I’m on the table, I focus on what I have to do. I cheer myself, I stay aggressive. Whether the crowd is for me or against me, that noise pumps me up.”

WTT Contender Triumph

While her domestic form impressed many, it was on the international stage that Diya and Manush Shah made history. In April2025, the pair won the WTT Contender Tunis mixed doubles title, becoming the second Indian pair to do so at that level. They defeated World Number 8 Japanese pair

“It was our best performance till date,” she beams. “We’d never reached a final before, and we were up against a strong Japanese pair who’d beaten us just months earlier. This time, we changed our approach we were more aggressive, and our chemistry clicked.”

That chemistry had already been tested in a nail-biting quarterfinal clash against compatriots Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Sreeja Akula, where they eked out an 18-16 in the third game to win in the decider.

“It’s always tough playing Indians abroad we know each other’s games so well. But we held our nerve and converted the match. That gave us so much confidence heading into the final.”

Their WTT win wasn’t just a trophy it was a statement. With mixed doubles being a medal event at the Olympics, Diya and Manush now find themselves ranked No. 11 in the world, firmly on the road to LA 2028.

“That’s the ultimate target a medal at the Olympics. We’re aiming for top 10, even top 5. With every tournament, our bonding improves, and we’re finding ways to train together and understand each other better.”

The Mental Game

Despite her aggressive playing style, Diya is reflective and self-aware when it comes to the mental side of sport. She’s learned to embrace pressure instead of fearing it.

“Pressure never really goes away. It just means you care that you want it badly. I’ve been working with a sports psychologist to learn how to perform through the anxiety. It’s about finding calm in the storm.”

Her 2023 UTT debut with U Mumba was a harsh lesson she didn’t win a single match that year. But rather than retreat, she chose to bounce back.

“I lost all my matches, but I still took some games. The next season, I lost my first match again but after that, I changed my mindset. I stopped worrying about results and just focused on enjoying the moment. I won five matches in a row after that.”

It’s this growth that stands out. In 2025, she faced world-class players like Bernadette Szőcs and Sreeja Akula, giving them tough fights.

“I didn’t win all those matches, but I learned a lot. And that learning is what I’ll take forward.”

Big Picture and the Future

Diya is part of a new generation of Indian players benefiting from increased exposure, government support through TOPS, and platforms like Ultimate Table Tennis.

“UTT has been a game changer. Playing with and against top Indian and foreign players at this level  it makes you better. Watching how they prepare, train, recover it helps you become more professional.”

She believes that this is the most exciting time to be a young Indian table tennis player.

“Getting a game or a win against top-ranked players gives us belief that we belong. It helps break the mental barrier that they are better than us.”

Her clarity on India’s best Olympic chance is equally sharp.

“Mixed doubles is where our strongest shot at a medal lies. It’s fast-paced, intense, and every point counts. Manush and I are fully committed to that journey to LA.”

Roots and Routine

Diya’s table tennis journey began like many others as a casual hobby. But a silver medal in the U-12 nationals in 2014 changed everything.

“That’s when I realized this wasn’t just for fun anymore I wanted to play for India. My coach, Sachin Shetty, made me understand what it meant to represent the country. He encouraged me to train abroad, improve my technique, and chase excellence.”

Sachin has remained a constant in her journey even when they found themselves on opposite sides of the court in UTT.

“He’s shaped me into who I am. It was tough for both of us, but we’re professionals. Once we’re on court, we both want to win.”

Off the table, Diya is equally structured from fitness to diet to recovery.

“Fitness is non-negotiable for me. I actually enjoy working out. My mom’s a fitness enthusiast too, and sometimes we train together. She pushes me sometimes more than I push myself!”

Her discipline shows in her performances, in her mindset, and in her quiet confidence. Whether it’s managing distractions or building habits, Diya sees off-table structure as key to on-table success.

What’s Next?

Diya’s immediate focus is on the upcoming US Smash in Las Vegas this July, where she’ll compete in all three categories women’s singles, women’s doubles, and mixed doubles.

“I’m playing with Yashaswini Ghorpade in women’s doubles and Manush in mixed. We’re preparing hard for it. Each tournament is a step toward the big goal.”

That big goal is clear a place on the Olympic podium in 2028. And if her journey so far is any indication, Diya Chitale is well on her way.

As we wrapped up the chat, Diya’s energy and purpose were evident. She’s not just one of the country’s most exciting young talents — she’s a symbol of how far Indian table tennis has come. And how much further it can go.