India’s Divyanshi Bhowmick produced a stunning performance in the group stage of the 2025 Asian Youth Games table tennis competition, defeating China’s Wei 3-0 in what is being seen as one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.
The Indian teenager, who is competing in the Girls’ Singles event, displayed remarkable control, composure, and tactical intelligence to overcome her higher-ranked Chinese rival in straight games a result that has sent ripples across the continental table tennis circuit.
For decades, Chinese paddlers have dominated the Asian and global table tennis landscape. Wins over Chinese players, even at the junior or youth level, are rare and celebrated. Against this backdrop, Divyanshi’s victory over Wei a player known for her powerful forehand drives and consistency stands out as a defining moment in her young career.
Right from the opening serve, Divyanshi looked confident. Her backhand returns, quick transitions, and aggressive placement forced Wei into uncomfortable positions early in rallies. The Indian kept her gameplan simple attack early, vary her pace, and prevent the Chinese opponent from finding rhythm. She took the opening game convincingly, staying sharp in long rallies and mixing her serves cleverly to disrupt Wei’s timing. The second game was tighter, with Wei attempting to take control through her forehand loops, but Divyanshi’s defensive resilience and counter-attacking ability helped her edge through the crucial points.
The third game saw the Indian take complete command. Reading Wei’s spin variations with ease, Divyanshi maintained a high first-ball quality and closed out the match in style, winning 3-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-8) to seal top position in her group.
What made the victory more impressive was the tactical maturity Divyanshi displayed throughout. She consistently targeted Wei’s weaker backhand wing and didn’t hesitate to switch tempo when needed. The Indian teenager also showcased strong mental composure never allowing her opponent’s reputation to dictate her rhythm. In crucial moments, particularly in the second game, Divyanshi’s fearless shot selection under pressure stood out. Her backhand blocks absorbed Wei’s pace, and her ability to attack off half-volleys showed how far she’s evolved technically over the past year.
Her performance is the result of sustained work at India’s junior national camps, where she has trained under the supervision of national coach and other high-performance specialists. Her improved balance, quick footwork, and service variation were evident in her win today.
Continuing a Strong Indian Campaign
Divyanshi’s victory added to what has been an excellent start for the Indian table tennis contingent in Tashkent. The Boys’ Singles players, Ritvik Gupta and Sahil Rawat, both topped their groups with straight-game wins Ritvik beating Bahrain’s Hashem and Mongolia’s Ankhbayar 3-0 each, while Sahil defeated Maldives’ Nisham 3-0 and Qatar’s Al-Abdulla 3-1. In the Girls’ section, alongside Divyanshi, Hansini Mathan and Syndrela Das have also impressed. Hansini notched a commanding 3-0 win over Yemen’s Ahmed and was leading her second match against Kazakhstan’s Fu before her evening encounter with Maldives’ Adam. Syndrela too looked sharp, defeating Indonesia’s Putri 3-0 and Thailand’s Vijittham 3-2 in a five-game thriller.
However, Divyanshi’s triumph over a Chinese opponent has clearly been the standout highlight not just for India’s campaign, but for the entire tournament’s early rounds.
Indian women’s table tennis has been on a steady upward trajectory in recent years, with senior stars like Manika Batra and Sreeja Akula making their mark on the global stage. But Divyanshi’s win represents something equally important — the next generation of Indian paddlers proving they can challenge Asia’s elite.
China’s youth setup has long been considered the gold standard, producing players who transition seamlessly to the world level. For Divyanshi to beat one of them — and in straight games — is not only a boost for her confidence but also a statement of India’s improving technical and mental depth at the junior level.
It also highlights the growing strength of India’s grassroots programs, where young talents are exposed to international-style training, match simulation, and advanced analytics at an earlier age.
With two group-stage wins 3-0 against Wei (CHN) and 3-0 against Xaiphetvong (LAO) Divyanshi has comfortably advanced to the Round of 64 as group topper. Her next challenge will come against a higher-ranked opponent from another group, but given her current form and self-belief, she’ll enter that contest with momentum firmly on her side. If she maintains this level of tactical discipline and attacking consistency, a deep run into the knockout rounds is very much on the cards. For Indian fans, Divyanshi’s performance in Tashkent has already become a beacon of optimism a glimpse of a young athlete capable of taking on Asia’s best with courage and confidence.
As the 2025 Asian Youth Games table tennis competition continues, Divyanshi Bhowmick’s 3-0 win over China’s Wei will be remembered as a watershed moment one that reflects not just an individual triumph, but the emergence of India’s new wave of fearless paddlers.
In a sport where China’s dominance is often near-absolute, an Indian teenager stepping up to challenge that hegemony is no small feat. Divyanshi didn’t just win a match she made a statement: Indian table tennis is ready to compete, not just participate.
