Indian table tennis continued its steady rise on the global stage as the young duo of Manush Shah and Diya Chitale scripted history by finishing as runners-up in the mixed doubles event at the WTT Star Contender Brazil.
Their thrilling campaign, highlighted by dominant victories over higher-ranked pairs, came to a close after a hard-fought five-game final against Japan’s Satoshi Aida and Honoka Hashimoto, which ended 2-3 (4-11, 11-8, 11-5, 5-11, 2-11). This remarkable run not only marks the first time an Indian mixed doubles pair has reached the final of a WTT Star Contender event but also reflects the growing confidence and competitive spirit among Indian paddlers on the world stage.
Breaking Barriers in Mixed Doubles
Seeded first in the draw, Manush and Diya carried the expectations of Indian fans into the knockout stages. They showcased composure and sharp tactical play, notably in their semifinal clash against the Chilean pair of Burgos/Vega, which they won comfortably 3-0 (11-7, 11-2, 11-7). The victory was decisive, underlining the pair’s synergy and aggressive style that has been steadily developing through international exposure.
In the final, however, the Japanese duo of Aida and Hashimoto proved to be a formidable challenge. Despite losing the opening game, Manush and Diya fought back brilliantly, claiming the next two games with scores of 11-8 and 11-5. But momentum shifted in the fourth, where the Japanese pair’s defensive consistency forced errors from the Indians, resulting in a 5-11 loss. The deciding game saw Aida and Hashimoto race ahead early, eventually sealing the title with an 11-2 win.
While the defeat was heartbreaking, the significance of reaching the final cannot be overstated. It highlights the promise of India’s mixed doubles combinations and the growing depth in talent capable of challenging the world’s best.
For Manush Shah, the Brazilian campaign was one of personal milestones and near misses. Earlier in the tournament, he partnered with Manav Thakkar in men’s doubles, and the pair created history by becoming the first Indian men’s doubles team to reach the final of a WTT Star Contender event.
Their path to the title clash included an impressive semifinal win over Huang/Kuo from Chinese Taipei, which they clinched 3-2 (5-11, 11-9, 11-6, 8-11, 11-5). Displaying calm under pressure and smart shot placement, Manush and Manav’s journey to the final captivated Indian fans and underlined their growth as a combination.
In the final, they faced the highly experienced German pair of Benedict Duda and Dang Qiu. The Indians recovered from a shaky start to force the contest into a fifth game, thanks in part to an extraordinary 15-13 win in the fourth. However, the deciding game saw the Germans pull away, winning 11-5 to seal the championship with a 3-2 victory (3-11, 11-7, 7-11, 15-13, 5-11).
Despite the disappointment, Manush’s performances two runner-up finishes in a single WTT Star Contender reflect not just individual skill but also his adaptability across formats and partnerships.
Setting New Benchmarks for Indian Table Tennis
The significance of these results extends beyond the medals themselves. Indian paddlers have been making steady progress on the international circuit, but finals appearances at top-tier events have been rare, especially in doubles formats. The WTT Star Contender series, which attracts many of the world’s top-ranked players, represents a level just below the WTT Champions and Grand Smashes—making these performances all the more commendable.
By breaking new ground in both men’s and mixed doubles, Manush, Diya, and Manav have set benchmarks that will inspire the next generation of Indian table tennis players. Their success shows that Indian pairs can go toe-to-toe with established teams from powerhouses like Germany, Japan, and Chinese Taipei.
While the runners-up finishes will bring disappointment today, the bigger picture remains overwhelmingly positive. These performances will boost the players’ confidence heading into upcoming events on the WTT calendar and could significantly impact their world rankings, improving seedings for future tournaments. For Manush Shah, the focus will now be on carrying this momentum into singles events and strengthening his partnerships in doubles formats. For Diya Chitale, the final appearance signals her potential as a mixed doubles specialist, capable of competing with the world’s best.
As Indian table tennis prepares for bigger goals including the Asian Championships and World Championships the lessons learned from close finishes will be invaluable. The WTT Star Contender in Foz do Iguaçu will be remembered as a turning point for Indian doubles table tennis. It showcased the rise of Manush Shah and Diya Chitale as a formidable mixed doubles team and highlighted the growing strength of Indian men’s doubles through Manush and Manav Thakkar’s inspiring run.
While the ultimate prize eluded them, their performances resonated far beyond the medal podium signaling that Indian table tennis is not just participating on the global stage but is now ready to contend for titles. In a sport where margins are razor-thin, the hunger and belief shown by these young paddlers could pave the way for even greater successes in the years ahead.
India’s journey in world table tennis is just beginning, and if Brazil is any indication, the future looks brighter than ever.
