The WTT Star Contender Foz do Iguaçu 2025 in Brazil turned into a memorable tournament for Indian table tennis, bringing together moments of individual resilience and historic doubles milestones.
From quarterfinal breakthroughs in singles to two Indian pairs reaching the finals in doubles, the week highlighted both the progress and promise of India’s young paddlers on the world stage.
In men’s singles, Harmeet Desai carried the Indian challenge deep into the tournament. After a tense encounter, Harmeet won against Germany’s 15th seed Kay STUMPER 3-2 in R32, showcasing experience and composure to edge past the opponent. His steady play under pressure ensured India had representation beyond the early rounds, even as Manav Thakkar, despite fighting hard, lost to Chinese Taipei’s KUO Guan-Hong 1-3 in R32. Manush won against 16th Seed Chinese Taipei’s LIAO Cheng-Ting 3-2 in R32
In women’s singles, the challenge proved steeper. Ayhika lost to South Korea’s 7th seed KIM Nayeong 0-3 in R32, while young Yashawini lost to Japan’s 7th seed Hitomi SATO 0-3 in R32 highlighting the growing but still widening gap India must bridge in women’s singles at this level. Swastika lost to Chinese Taipei’s CHENG I-Ching 0-3 in R32 while Manika defeated Diya 3-1 to progress to the Pre Quarterfinals.
Doubles Delight: History Made by Manav/Manush and Manush/Diya
If singles had moments of resistance, it was in doubles where India truly made history. The men’s doubles pair of Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah scripted a remarkable campaign that took them all the way to the final. They began by defeating Japan’s Aida and Oikawa 11-8, 3-11, 11-8, 11-6 in the pre-quarterfinals. A challenging quarterfinal against France’s Bourrassaud and Bardet followed; after taking the first game 11-6, they lost momentum and conceded the next two games 2-11, 6-11. Yet, showing resilience, the Indians rallied to win the last two games 11-3, 11-6 to clinch the match 3-2.
In the semifinal, Manav and Manush met Taiwan’s Huang Yan-Cheng and Kuo Guan-Hong. Losing the opener 5-11 didn’t shake them; they struck back with 11-9 and 11-6 wins to lead the contest. Though the Taiwanese pair forced a decider with an 11-8 fourth game, the Indians stayed composed and closed out the fifth game 11-5. Their place in the final against the formidable German pair, Dang Qiu and Benedikt Duda, was fully deserved a first WTT Star Contender final appearance for the Indian duo.
Equally historic was the run of Manush Shah and Diya Chitale in mixed doubles. Entering as top seeds, they justified that billing and more. With a bye in the pre-quarterfinals, they faced Gomez and Ortega in the quarterfinals. After winning the opening game 11-6, they dropped a tight second game 10-12, but found their rhythm to edge the third 12-10 and finish strongly 11-6, winning the tie 3-1.
Thrills, Upsets, and a Confident Start: Indian Paddlers Impress at WTT Star Contender Foz do Iguaçu
The semifinal saw them deliver their most commanding performance yet, sweeping Chile’s Vega and Burgos 11-7, 11-2, 11-7 in straight games. With this, Manush and Diya became the first-ever Indian pair to reach a WTT Star Contender final in any discipline a landmark moment for Indian table tennis.
Beyond the two headline runs, the Indian campaign featured other close contests: Payas/Ankur lost to Germany’s 2nd seed Benedikt DUDA/Dang QIU 0-3 in quarterfinals; Harmeet/Snehit lost to Chinese Taipei’s HUANG Yan-Cheng/KUO Guan-Hong 2-3 in Quarterfinals. In women’s doubles, Manika/Swastika lost to South Korean’s pair JOO Cheonhui/ LEE Eunhye 0-3 in Quarterfinals, marking the end of the Indian challenge in that draw.
A Landmark Moment and What Lies Ahead
India’s journey at the WTT Star Contender Foz do Iguaçu 2025 has already made history:
- Manush Shah and Diya Chitale became the first Indian pair ever to reach a final in any category at a WTT Star Contender event.
- Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah overcame testing opponents to secure a spot in the men’s doubles final.
- Next Round Matches for Harmeet, Manush & Manika
Looking ahead, the two finals present a golden chance:
🏓 Men’s Doubles Final: Manav Thakkar / Manush Shah vs Dang Qiu / Benedikt Duda (Germany)
🏓 Mixed Doubles Final: Manush Shah / Diya Chitale vs Aida and Hashimoto (Japan)
With medals already assured and the tricolour ready to rise on the podium, Indian fans now hope to witness an even rarer moment: two titles on the same stage. At Foz do Iguaçu, Indian table tennis has proven it belongs on the world stage and this may just be the start.
