India’s U19 Boys’ team continued their impressive run at the 29th Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2025 in Uzbekistan, storming into the semifinals with a dominant 3-0 victory over DPR Korea in the quarterfinals.
With this win, the Indian squad has ensured a second consecutive bronze medal at the continental level a testament to their rising stature in the Asian table tennis circuit.
Clinical Quarterfinal Performance
Facing a resilient North Korean team in the quarterfinals, the Indian boys came prepared and executed their game plan to near perfection. The trio of Abhinandh, Ankur, and Priyanuj showcased maturity, skill, and composure under pressure, clinching their respective matches in straight sets to seal the tie.
- Abhinandh set the tone for India with a strong opening performance, using his aggressive forehand play to dismantle his opponent.
- Ankur, known for his precision and tactical awareness, followed up with an equally clinical display, giving India a 2-0 lead.
- Priyanuj, entrusted with finishing duties, maintained the momentum with a composed and focused game, completing the clean sweep.
This 3-0 whitewash not only took India into the semifinals but also assured them of a medal, as both semifinalists receive bronze if they do not advance to the final. The semifinal clash will be against the winner of the Singapore vs South Korea quarterfinal both formidable sides with rich legacies in youth table tennis.
Day 1 Recap: Strong All-Round Start for India
The foundation of this quarterfinal triumph was laid on Day 1, where Indian teams produced solid performances across categories:
U19 Boys’ Team
- Defeated Nepal 3-0
- Defeated Saudi Arabia 3-0
The Indian U19 boys were untouchable in the group stages. Their convincing wins over Nepal and Saudi Arabia saw them top their group without dropping a single game, setting the tone for the knockouts.
U19 Girls’ Team
- Defeated DPR Korea 3-2
- Defeated Uzbekistan 3-2
The U19 girls’ team showed nerves of steel in both encounters, edging out DPR Korea and hosts Uzbekistan in hard-fought 3-2 thrillers. Their tenacity and ability to handle pressure bodes well for deeper runs in the competition.
U15 Boys’ Team
- Defeated Macau 3-0
- Defeated Thailand 3-1
The young guns in the U15 category also made a mark with a dominant win over Macau followed by a strong 3-1 performance against Thailand. The boys looked sharp and unafraid to take on tougher opposition.
U15 Girls’ Team
- Defeated Saudi Arabia 3-0
- Lost to Singapore 2-3
- Defeated Kyrgyzstan 3-0
The U15 girls’ team showed great promise, especially in their 3-0 wins over Saudi Arabia and Kyrgyzstan. Although they narrowly lost to Singapore in a 2-3 encounter, the team demonstrated resilience and potential to compete at the highest level.
Rising Stars of Indian Table Tennis
The U19 boys’ team’s success in Uzbekistan reflects the growing depth and structure in India’s table tennis development pipeline. Players like Abhinandh, Ankur, and Priyanuj are part of a new wave of talent nurtured through the national camp system and regular exposure to international competition. Their calm approach and tactical maturity stood out during the high-stakes quarterfinal clash.
This semifinal berth is also crucial as it continues India’s streak of podium finishes at the Asian Youth Championships a region dominated historically by China, Japan, South Korea, and Chinese Taipei.
India will now await the outcome of the Singapore vs South Korea quarterfinal to determine their semifinal opponent. Both teams pose unique challenges:
- South Korea, known for their speed and sharp placements, often overwhelm opponents with aggressive play and quick transitions.
- Singapore, while more methodical, boast technically sound players capable of handling pressure situations with finesse.
Regardless of who the opponent is, India will enter the semifinals with confidence, buoyed by their performances so far and the knowledge that they’ve already secured a medal. But knowing this hungry Indian unit, they’ll be aiming higher perhaps even eyeing a place in the final.
Summary of India’s Results Day 1 & Quarterfinal
U19 Boys’ Team
- vs Nepal 3-0 win
- vs Saudi Arabia 3-0 win
- Quarterfinal vs DPR Korea 3-0 win (Medal Assured)
U19 Girls’ Team
- vs DPR Korea –3-2 win
- vs Uzbekistan – 3-2 win
U15 Boys’ Team
- vs Macau –3-0 win
- vs Thailand –3-1 win
U15 Girls’ Team
- vs Saudi Arabia – 3-0 win
- vs Singapore – 2-3 loss
- vs Kyrgyzstan – 3-0 win
As Indian teams continue to deliver impressive results, the 29th Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2025 is shaping up to be a memorable campaign. All eyes will now be on the semifinals, where the U19 boys will aim to break new ground and push for their first-ever final appearance.
