India’s push to strengthen its footprint on the global table tennis stage received a significant boost on Monday as the host nation announced a record 33 Indian entries for the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026, including 23 players in the main draw, highlighted by a strong wild card list led by Anusha Kutumbale and Priyanuj Bhattacharyya.
The second edition of the prestigious USD 300,000 tournament will be staged from February 10 to 15 at the Tamil Nadu Physical Education and Sports University, and is being co-hosted by Ultimate Table Tennis, Sharath Kamal Academy, and Stupa Sports AI, with support from the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT). Indian legend Achanta Sharath Kamal, who retired from professional table tennis at this very venue last year, will once again be at the helm as Event Director.
Indian wild cards reflect depth and development
At the top of the host wild card list are two of India’s most exciting emerging names. Anusha Kutumbale, fresh from reaching the women’s singles final at the WTT Feeder Vadodara 2026, will feature in the women’s main draw, while Priyanuj Bhattacharyya, winner of the WTT Youth Contender Vadodara U-19 boys’ singles, has been handed a deserved opportunity in the men’s singles.
They will be joined in the women’s singles by Sayali Wani, Kavya Bhatt, and Taneesha Kotecha, ensuring that all four host wild cards in the category go to Indian players. In the men’s singles, Anirban Ghosh and Divyansh Srivastava also receive wild cards alongside Priyanuj, with France’s Remi Betelu completing the quartet.
The wild card selections underline a clear intent from the organisers: to use Chennai as a launchpad for Indian talent ready to test itself against world-class opposition.
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In addition to the host wild cards, two of India’s brightest junior prospects have been awarded WTT Youth Nominations. Abhinandh Pradhivadhi, part of India’s historic bronze medal-winning team at the ITTF World Youth Championships, will compete in the men’s singles, while Divyanshi Bhowmick, the 2025 Asian Youth Champion, will represent India in the women’s singles.
For both teenagers, Chennai offers a priceless chance to gain exposure at senior level against elite international opponents.
Sharath Kamal: “This is how players grow”
Speaking on the announcement, Event Director Achanta Sharath Kamal highlighted the long-term thinking behind the wild card strategy.
“The idea of wild cards in such major tournaments is to provide up-and-coming talent an opportunity to test themselves against some of the world’s best players. I am very happy to see that many young players have received a wild card this year and I am confident that the opportunity to play here will help them rise on the international stage.”
Sharath’s words reflect a broader shift in Indian table tennis, where development pathways are being aligned more closely with global competition.
Strong Indian core in the main draw
Beyond the wild cards, India will field one of its strongest-ever contingents at a WTT Star Contender. Manav Thakkar, ranked World No. 33 and a semi-finalist here last year, will lead the men’s challenge, alongside Manush Shah, winner of WTT Feeder Vadodara 2026, and seasoned campaigners G Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai.
In the mixed doubles draw, national champion Diya Chitale and Manush Shah, who last year became the first Indian pair to qualify for the WTT Finals qualifiers, will both feature as direct entrants this time, reflecting their rising international standing.
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India’s presence is equally strong in the doubles categories. Mudit Dani and Anirban Ghosh, runners-up at WTT Feeder Vadodara 2026, have received a wild card in men’s doubles, along with Sweden’s experienced pairing of Kristian Karlsson and Elias Ranefur.
In women’s doubles, Swastika Ghosh teams up with Luxembourg’s Sarah De Nutte as wild card entrants, while Syndrela Das and Payas Jain, winners at Vadodara, have been awarded the mixed doubles wild card.
The global profile of the tournament is further enhanced by WTT Nominations. In women’s singles, Japan’s Kotomi Omoda and Ryu Hanna (Republic of Korea) will join the field, while Kang Dongsoo of Korea and France’s Esteban Dorr have been nominated in men’s singles.
A defining moment for Indian table tennis
With a record Indian presence, a boosted prize purse, and some of the world’s best players set to arrive in Chennai, the WTT Star Contender Chennai 2026 promises to be a landmark event for Indian table tennis.
For young players like Anusha Kutumbale, Priyanuj Bhattacharyya, Divyanshi Bhowmick and Abhinandh Pradhivadhi, it is more than just another tournament it is a chance to announce themselves on a global stage, backed by the belief that Indian table tennis is ready to take its next big step forward.
