The Indian Under-19 boys’ table tennis team signed off with a silver medal at the ITTF World Youth Championships 2025 in Cluj-Napoca, Romania only the second-ever silver for India at this prestigious global junior event.
Despite a 0–3 defeat to a dominant Japan in the final, the campaign marked a breakthrough for Indian youth table tennis, built on grit, composure and a memorable semifinal win over Chinese Taipei. The finalists Ankur Bhattacharjee, Abhinandh Pradhivadhi, and Priyanuj Bhattacharyya displayed quality and temperament throughout the knockout rounds, particularly in a pressure-filled semifinal that pushed India into uncharted territory.
Final: India 0–3 Japan
Match 1: Ankur Bhattacharjee vs Ryuusei Kawakami — 2–3
(17–15, 6–11, 12–10, 4–11, 11–13)
Ankur opened the final with tremendous heart, taking a tight first game 17–15 and regaining the lead again at 2–1. But Japan’s Ryuusei Kawakami, known for his relentless pace, forced a decider and edged the final game 13–11. It was a gripping contest that set the tone India was competitive but Japan found answers at key points.
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Match 2: Abhinandh Pradhivadhi vs Kazuki Yoshiyama — 0–3
(7–11, 8–11, 0–11, 0–0, 0–0)
The second tie proved one-sided. Abhinandh struggled to counter Yoshiyama’s sharp placements and strong backhand topspins. After losing the first two games 7–11 and 8–11, the third slipped quickly, sealing the match in Japan’s favour.
Match 3: Priyanuj Bhattacharyya vs Tamito Watanabe — 0–3
(9–11, 7–11, 3–11, 0–0, 0–0)
Priyanuj, who had been India’s clutch player in the semifinal, couldn’t replicate that form in the title clash. Watanabe controlled the rallies from the start and closed the match in straight games, giving Japan a clean 3–0 victory. Despite the final margin, India’s presence in the gold-medal match was historic. The team showed maturity beyond their age, especially in navigating the tough semifinal one day earlier.
Semifinal: India 3–2 Chinese Taipei
India’s 3–2 victory over Chinese Taipei was the standout performance of the campaign a duel of shifting momentum and high-pressure moments.
Match 1: Ankur Bhattacharjee vs Hsu Hsien-Chia — 3–2
(11–9, 11–8, 9–11, 8–11, 12–10)
Ankur delivered one of his finest matches, taking an early 2–0 lead. Though Hsu forced a decider by claiming the next two games, Ankur held his nerves to clinch the fifth game 12–10 in a thriller.
Match 2: Abhinandh Pradhivadhi vs Kuo Guan-Hong — 1–3
(12–10, 10–12, 8–12, 14–6, 0–0)
Abhinandh started strong, winning the first game 12–10. But Kuo grew stronger through the match, turning the contest around and taking it 3–1.
Match 3: Priyanuj Bhattacharyya vs Lin Chin-Ting — 3–2
(11–8, 12–10, 8–11, 7–11, 11–8)
Priyanuj played a clutch performance, mirroring Ankur’s opener. After losing a 2–0 lead, he regrouped to win the decider 11–8, giving India a 2–1 advantage.
Match 4: Ankur Bhattacharjee vs Kuo Guan-Hong — 0–3
(6–11, 10–12, 0–11, 0–0, 0–0)
Kuo levelled the tie 2–2, overpowering Ankur in straight games.
Match 5: Abhinandh Pradhivadhi vs Hsu Hsien-Chia — 3–0
(11–4, 11–8, 11–0, 0–0, 0–0)
With the final spot on the line, Abhinandh produced a sensational performance. Winning 11–4 and 11–8, he delivered the knockout punch with a flawless 11–0 third game, sending India to the final for the first time in history.
Quarterfinal: India 3–0 France
India’s quarterfinal win over France was clinical.
Match 1: Abhinandh vs Nathan Lam — 3–2
(13–15, 11–8, 2–11, 11–9, 5–11)
Match 2: Ankur vs Nathan Pilard — 3–2
(10–12, 11–3, 11–6, 3–11, 11–6)
Match 3: Priyanuj vs Flavio Mourier — 3–0
(6–11, 11–8, 11–0, 0–0, 0–0)
Their depth and poise under pressure were evident as India swept the tie 3–0.
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It wasn’t just the U19 boys who impressed in Cluj-Napoca. The India U15 girls’ team Ankolika Chakraborty, Divyanshi Bhowmick, and Ananya Muralidharan claimed bronze after reaching the semifinals, underscoring the growing strength of India’s youth pipeline.
For the U19 boys, this silver is not just a result but a statement. The composure shown in the knockout stages, especially the 3–2 triumph over Chinese Taipei, points to a generation capable of pushing the global elite.
Heads high, lessons learned and a future that suddenly looks brighter than ever. India’s youth table tennis story is just beginning.
