Indian Table Tennis on the Rise: Manush Shah Breaks Into Top 10 Twice in Same Week!
In a phenomenal week for Indian table tennis, young star Manush Shah has broken into the Top 10 of the ITTF world rankings not once, but twice—in both mixed doubles and men’s doubles. Partnering with Diya Chitale, Manush has become part of only the second Indian mixed doubles pair ever to crack the top 10. Simultaneously, alongside Manav Thakkar, Manush has surged to World No. 9 in the men’s doubles rankings following a strong runner-up finish at the WTT Contender Skopje 2025.
These achievements mark a landmark moment for Indian table tennis, underlining the emergence of a new generation of fearless, technically sound, and tactically sharp players making a global impact.
Diya Chitale & Manush Shah – World No. 10 in Mixed Doubles
The partnership of Diya Chitale and Manush Shah has been steadily gaining attention over the past year. Young, tenacious, and brimming with promise, the duo has quietly built chemistry on the international circuit. Their recent breakthrough—reaching the Top 10 of the mixed doubles world rankings with 1590 points—cements their status among the world’s elite.
Only one other Indian pair—Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra—had previously broken into the Top 10 in mixed doubles. That Diya and Manush now join such elite company speaks volumes about their potential.
Just days before the rankings were updated, Diya Chitale had hinted at their focus on doubles: “We’ve been working really hard to understand each other’s game better in mixed. It’s exciting to aim high.” That focus has paid off in style.
Their entry into the top 10 is not a one-off stroke of luck. It is the result of consistent performances across multiple WTT events, where the pair has displayed a mature understanding of court positioning, spin variation, and counterattacking prowess.
Manav Thakkar & Manush Shah – World No. 9 in Men’s Doubles
While the mixed doubles ranking was a pleasant surprise, the men’s doubles surge was well earned. Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar, two players who have spent years on the junior and senior circuits together, have finally hit a rhythm that’s delivering top results.
Their silver medal finish at the WTT Contender Skopje 2025 was a testament to their cohesion under pressure. The Indian pair defeated several higher-ranked teams en route to the final, showcasing their blend of left-right combination, quick exchanges at the net, and consistent third-ball attacks.
This performance vaulted them to World No. 9, placing them firmly among the global powerhouses in men’s doubles. They now join an elite group that includes India’s most successful doubles pairs, including Manika Batra–Archana Kamath and Sathiyan–Manika.
Speaking after their Skopje run, Manav shared: “We’ve been patient with our progress. Our coordination is improving every week. Now the focus is on staying consistent and targeting a WTT title soon.”
Manush Shah – India’s Doubles Dynamo
Manush Shah’s name now features in two separate World Top 10 doubles combinations—a feat rarely achieved in Indian table tennis history. It’s a sign of his growing versatility and value as a doubles specialist.
A product of Gujarat’s table tennis pipeline, Manush has been building towards this level for years. His compact technique, strong backhand flick, and composure in tight situations make him an ideal partner in both mixed and men’s doubles formats.
His ability to adapt across two different formats—one requiring seamless gender coordination and the other emphasizing high-speed countering—speaks volumes about his tactical intelligence and court awareness.
Indian Doubles on the World Map
The success of these duos is part of a broader resurgence in Indian table tennis doubles. In the last few years, four Indian combinations have entered the Top 10 in world rankings:
- Sathiyan Gnanasekaran – Manika Batra (Mixed Doubles)
- Manika Batra – Archana Kamath (Women’s Doubles)
- Manav Thakkar – Manush Shah (Men’s Doubles)
- Manush Shah – Diya Chitale (Mixed Doubles)
This indicates a growing emphasis on doubles training and synergy-building by the Indian coaching system and federation. It also opens up exciting possibilities for medal prospects at major multi-sport events like the Asian Games and World Championships.
The Road Ahead
While the rankings are a reward, both pairs know that maintaining this level will be even harder. With Paris 2025 WTT Star Contender and several high-profile tournaments lined up before the 2026 World Championships, consistency and preparation will be key.
For now, Indian fans have every reason to celebrate. In Diya, Manav, and Manush, India has found young torchbearers who are not just competing internationally, but thriving among the best. Their journey is a sign that India is no longer a fringe player in world table tennis—it’s knocking on the doors of the podium, and staying there.