Divyanshi Bhowmick wins historic bronze at the ITTF Youth World Championships

Divyanshi Bhowmick delivered one of the most significant performances in the history of Indian youth table tennis, winning the bronze medal in the U15 girls’ singles at the ITTF Youth World Table Tennis Championships in Cluj Napoca.

With this podium finish, she becomes only the third Indian ever to win a singles medal at this global event, joining an elite list that includes Payas Jain (U19 boys’ singles, 2021) and Suhana Saini (U15 girls’ singles, 2021).

At just 14, Divyanshi’s run to the semifinals was a masterclass in composure, skill, and competitive maturity qualities rarely seen in players this young on the world stage. Her performances through the rounds showed not just talent but also the ability to adapt tactically against diverse opponents, making this result one of the standout achievements for India in recent years.

Divyanshi opened her campaign in dominant fashion in the round of 32, defeating Ireland’s Jade Morice 4–0 (11–6, 11–7, 11–5, 11–4). It was the perfect statement of intent—a clean sweep where she controlled the tempo, attacked early, and made minimal errors. For a player making her first deep run at this level, the composure was telling.

Battling through pressure in the round of 16

Her next test came against South Korea’s Kim Minseo, a tricky opponent known for long rallies and defensive resilience. Divyanshi showed tremendous focus to pull off a 4–2 victory (6–11, 12–10, 11–5, 5–11, 11–7, 11–6).

What stood out here was her ability to recover after setbacks. After dropping the first game and later losing the fourth, she refused to lose rhythm. Her timely use of angles and strong backhand counters tilted the match in her favour, demonstrating maturity well beyond her age.

The quarterfinal was arguably her most defining win—a 4–2 triumph over Japan’s Kokomi Ishida (11–9, 13–11, 10–12, 11–9, 11–7). Japan consistently produces world-class youth paddlers, and beating Ishida required tactical clarity and mental resilience.

Divyanshi delivered exactly that. Her aggression on the receive, the precision in her third-ball attacks, and the ability to stay steady in deuce moments made the difference particularly in the second game, where she saved game points to take it 13–11. That moment became the psychological turning point of the match and the gateway to a historic medal.

Her journey ended in the semifinals against China’s Zhu Qihui, the eventual finalist, who won the match 4–1 (11–4, 12–10, 10–12, 11–6, 11–8). While Divyanshi fought hard especially in the third game, which she won 12–10 Zhu’s pace, precision, and variation proved difficult to contain. Even in defeat, Divyanshi managed to pressure the Chinese player with her aggressive forehand play and quick timing off the bounce, showing that she belongs at this level.

A medal that elevates Indian table tennis

This bronze carries enormous significance for Indian table tennis:

1. Third singles medal ever at Youth Worlds: That alone underlines the rarity of this achievement.
2. Consistency across rounds: Divyanshi won tough matches against three different styles European, Korean, and Japanese before facing China.
3. A long-term prospect: Her temperament under pressure suggests a promising transition into the U17 and U19 categories over the next few years.

Her strong technical base, early racket acceleration, and willingness to take initiative in rallies make her one of the brightest prospects in India’s pipeline. For a nation trying to expand its presence in women’s singles at the senior level, Divyanshi’s rise is perfectly timed.

A Youth World Championships medal is often the first major milestone in a player’s ascent toward the professional circuit. For Divyanshi, this bronze not only boosts her international ranking but also places her firmly in the spotlight as India’s next big talent. With continued exposure to high-quality tournaments, structured training, and the experience gained from competing against the world’s best at her age, she has the foundation to become a top contender in the Asian and global circuits.

A historic moment for a champion in the making

Divyanshi Bhowmick’s bronze medal symbolizes more than personal glory it reflects the progress of India’s next generation of paddlers. This run, filled with bold shot-making and fearless decision-making, is a testament to her talent and mental steel.

It is a big moment for Indian table tennis, and an even bigger step in the journey of a young athlete who has already carved her name into history.

Divyanshi Bhowmick: a new star rises, and Indian table tennis shines brighter because of it.