In a thrilling semifinal clash at the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships 2025 in Tashkent, India’s Under-15 Boys team scripted history by becoming the first Indian cadet team to reach the final of the prestigious continental event.
The trio of Sahil Rawat, Ritvik Gupta, and Aditya Das held their nerves in high-pressure situations to pull off a stunning 3-1 victory over Korea, a traditional powerhouse in the sport.
The semifinals were nothing short of a marathon, filled with drama, momentum shifts, and nerve-wracking deciders. What stood out was India’s mental resilience all three wins came in five-game deciders, a testament to the composure and fight shown by the young paddlers.
Match Summary: India 3 – 1 Korea
India’s campaign began with Sahil Rawat taking on Seungsoo Lee. Despite showing early promise by taking the opening game, Sahil couldn’t maintain consistency against a clinical Korean opponent and eventually went down 1-3 (11-8, 8-11, 7-11, 8-11), putting India on the back foot.
The pressure then shifted to Ritvik Gupta, who faced Lee Hyeonho in a crucial second match. Ritvik dropped the first game but clawed back in a topsy-turvy contest that saw both players exchange leads. With sharp counter-attacks and measured shot placement, Ritvik edged out a 3-2 win (8-11, 10-12, 15-13, 11-6, 11-6) to level the tie at 1-1.
Next up was Aditya Das, who took on Kim Ryeowon. This was another tight battle where Aditya displayed superb focus under pressure. After losing the third game, he regrouped in time to force a deciding fifth game and held his nerve to clinch a 3-2 victory (11-6, 13-15, 11-7, 10-12, 11-8). With that, India took a 2-1 lead in the tie.
The responsibility of sealing the win fell again on Ritvik Gupta, who returned to face Seungsoo Lee the Korean who had earlier beaten Sahil. The match lived up to expectations, with momentum swinging both ways. Ritvik’s tactical changes mid-match made the difference as he closed out the decider 3-2 (10-12, 11-6, 11-6, 7-11, 11-4), sparking scenes of celebration in the Indian camp.
Historic Feat for India’s Cadet Program
With this win, the U15 boys became India’s first-ever cadet team to reach the final of the Asian Championships a milestone moment in the nation’s table tennis journey. While the U19 teams had made finals appearances in previous editions, including in 2018 (Manav, Manush, Jeet, Fidel, Snehit) and 2019 (Raegan, Manush, Deepit, Anukram), they were unable to get past China in the final hurdle.
Now, Sahil, Ritvik, and Aditya have not only matched those feats but gone one better by achieving this landmark at the U15 level a crucial step in India’s long-term pipeline strategy to build Olympic-ready athletes.
Their opponent in the final? China, the perennial Asian and world powerhouse. The summit clash is scheduled for 5:30 PM IST, and while China remains the heavy favorite, India’s performance so far particularly their ability to win under pressure promises an exciting battle ahead.
Grit Over Glory: The Key to Semifinal Success
What set India apart in this tie wasn’t just talent or preparation it was the mental strength to deliver in the clutch moments. Winning three five-game deciders in one tie against a team of Korea’s pedigree is no small feat. In fact, it’s often this margin the ability to win at 2-2 or hold serve at 9-9 that separates contenders from champions.
The coaching staff deserves credit too, for their tactical decisions and keeping the players composed between games. Ritvik’s return for the fourth match was a bold move, but it paid off handsomely.
Other Indian Performances at the Championship
While the U15 boys stole the limelight with their path-breaking run, other Indian teams also had commendable showings:
- The U19 Boys team (Abhinandh, Ankur, Priyanuj) fought valiantly in their semifinal but fell 2-3 to Korea, settling for a bronze medal. Despite the heartbreak, it was a strong showing from a talented group who were just a few points away from the final.
- In the U15 Girls category, India bowed out in the quarterfinals after a 1-3 loss to Japan, while the U19 Girls were ousted 0-3 by Chinese Taipei, also in the quarterfinals.
- In mixed doubles action, the pair of Priyanuj and Syndrela got off to a solid start with a 3-0 win over Malaysia in the Round of 32, and will look to go deep in the draw.
Road Ahead: Final vs China
India now faces the final frontier China, the most decorated team in Asian and global table tennis. For a team that has already made history, the final offers a shot at greatness. China will test India in every department speed, precision, and consistency but India’s spirited semifinal showing proves they have the mettle to rise to the occasion.
Win or lose, this campaign is already a defining moment for India’s cadet program. It showcases a new generation ready to compete, ready to fight, and ready to lead India into the next era of international table tennis.
India U15 Boys Team Into the Final at Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships 2025!
Semifinal Result: India 3-1 Korea
Sahil Rawat 1-3 Seungsoo Lee (KOR)
Ritvik Gupta 3-2 Hyeonho Lee (KOR)
Aditya Das 3-2 Ryeowon Kim (KOR)
Ritvik Gupta 3-2 Seungsoo Lee (KOR)
Final vs China: Today, 5:30 PM IST
Let’s back the boys as they aim to make history one more time.
