India’s rising table tennis star Ankur Bhattacharjee has delivered one of the finest performances of his young career, clinching the silver medal in the U19 Boys’ Singles at the prestigious Europe Youth Smash 2025 in Sweden.
The 17-year-old from Bengal showcased remarkable grit, skill, and consistency throughout the week-long tournament, defeating a string of strong international opponents before falling short in the final against Japan’s Ryuusei Kawakami. Although he finished as runner-up, Ankur’s campaign in Sweden is being hailed as a breakthrough moment for Indian youth table tennis on the global stage. His silver medal marks a significant achievement at a top-tier youth event that featured some of the best under-19 paddlers from Asia and Europe.
A Final Against the Japanese Star
In the summit clash, Ankur faced the in-form Japanese paddler Ryuusei Kawakami, who had dominated his half of the draw with clinical precision. Kawakami proved too strong on the day, winning 4-0 (7-2, 7-3, 7-3, 7-4). The Japanese player’s speed, aggressive forehand play, and flawless service game left Ankur with little margin to respond. Despite the defeat, Ankur did not go down without a fight. The opening two games saw him attempt to counter Kawakami’s relentless pace, but errors at crucial junctures allowed the Japanese to pull away. By the third game, Ankur began adjusting his returns and found a better rhythm, but Kawakami’s composure ensured there were no slip-ups.
The fourth game was the closest, with Ankur pushing his opponent to longer rallies and even leading briefly, but Kawakami closed it out with clinical efficiency. For Ankur, the silver medal is less about the final defeat and more about the journey he carved through a highly competitive field to reach that stage.
Road to the Final: A Campaign of Grit and Consistency
Ankur’s run to the final is what makes this silver so special. Each round tested him in different ways, and he emerged with a maturity beyond his years.
Group Stage Brilliance
He began his campaign in the group stage with three commanding wins. Against France’s Flavio Mourier, Ankur was tested in patches but showed superior tactical awareness to close the match 4-2 (7-4, 4-7, 7-6, 7-3, 6-7, 7-2). He followed it up with a dominant win over Korea’s Lee Jungmok, prevailing 4-0 (7-6, 7-4, 7-2, 7-1). His third group encounter against Sweden’s Adam Wallin ended in a walkover, giving him a smooth passage into the knockout rounds.
Round of 16: A Test of Nerves
In the Round of 16, Ankur faced Taiwan’s Hsu Hsien-Chia, a tricky opponent known for his powerful backhand play. The Indian displayed impressive composure, weathering early resistance to win 4-2 (7-2, 3-7, 7-4, 7-3, 1-7, 7-3). What stood out was his ability to bounce back after dropping the second and fifth games, proving his mental strength in pressure situations.
Quarterfinals: Taking Down a Higher-Ranked Taiwanese
The quarterfinals pitted him against another Taiwanese player, Kuo Guan-Hong. This was expected to be a tough battle, but Ankur played one of his finest matches of the tournament, dominating from start to finish with a 4-1 win (7-1, 7-6, 7-7, 7-3, 3-6). His aggressive forehand returns and sharp placements unsettled his opponent, ensuring a smooth entry into the last four.
Semifinals: A Statement Win
In the semifinal, Ankur was up against Korea’s Lee Seungsoo, another quality opponent. What followed was arguably his most dominant performance of the week. He swept aside the Korean 4-0 (7-0, 7-6, 7-5, 7-4), barely giving his rival a chance to settle into the contest. His flawless service returns and ability to dictate rallies ensured he reached the final in commanding style.
Ankur’s silver medal is not just a personal triumph but also a milestone for Indian table tennis. Over the years, India has witnessed the rise of senior stars like Sharath Kamal, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, and Manika Batra on the international circuit. However, at the youth level, medals at elite global events have been rare. By finishing runner-up at Europe Youth Smash, Ankur has sent a strong message: Indian players are beginning to match the technical depth and tactical sharpness of traditionally dominant nations like Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei at the junior level.
His victories over two Taiwanese opponents and a Korean paddler highlight India’s growing competitiveness against East Asian powerhouses.
The Rise of a Bengal Talent
Hailing from Bengal, a state with a rich table tennis culture, Ankur has been steadily climbing the junior ranks. His game is built on quick reflexes, smart shot selection, and an ability to maintain composure during long rallies. What makes him stand out is his adaptability – the way he adjusts his style based on his opponent. In Sweden, this adaptability was on full display. Against Mourier of France, he played more patiently, waiting for errors. Against the Taiwanese duo, he took the initiative early, attacking their backhands. Against Korea’s Lee, he relied on fast rallies and precise placements.
Such tactical maturity at his age is what makes experts believe he has the potential to transition successfully into the senior circuit in the coming years.
The silver medal at Europe Youth Smash 2025 is likely to open new doors for Ankur. With this result, he has firmly placed himself on the radar of international scouts, coaches, and academies. More importantly, it gives him the confidence that he can compete with the best in the world at his age group. For Indian table tennis, his medal is a boost ahead of several key junior and senior competitions later this year. If nurtured well, Ankur could follow the path of Sathiyan and Sharath, and perhaps go even further. His performance is also a reminder of the importance of investing in grassroots development, coaching infrastructure, and international exposure for young players.
Ankur Bhattacharjee’s silver medal at the Europe Youth Smash 2025 is a story of determination, skill, and belief. While the final against Kawakami did not go his way, the journey he crafted through the group stages, knockouts, and semifinals reflects a player of immense promise. Defeating quality opponents from Taiwan, Korea, France, and Sweden before bowing out to Japan’s best is an achievement that deserves celebration.
For Indian fans, this medal is not just about the silver around Ankur’s neck. It is about hope hope that a new generation of paddlers is ready to carry forward India’s table tennis ambitions on the world stage. And if his Sweden performance is anything to go by, Ankur Bhattacharjee is well on his way to becoming a name to reckon with in the global table tennis fraternity.
