The Indian U19 Girls’ Team delivered a gritty, nerve-steadying performance in Cluj Napoca on Saturday, edging hosts Romania 3–2 in the Round of 16 to secure their spot in the quarterfinals of the ITTF World Youth Championships 2025.
In a tense tie that swung sharply across five matches, India relied on strong starts, tactical maturity, and the composure of their young paddlers to move within one win of a historic medal. The victory sets up a challenging quarterfinal clash against Chinese Taipei, one of the strongest youth contingents in global table tennis. For India, however, this win will be remembered for the determination shown under pressure, especially in the final rubber.
Read Articles Without Ads On Your IndiaSportsHub App. Download Now And Stay Updated
India began the tie with their most dependable performer. Taneesha Kotecha opened the contest against Romania’s Alesia Sferlea and did exactly what the team needed she set the tone. With a sharp 3–0 win (11-8, 11-1, 11-8), Kotecha’s early control in the rallies and aggressive placement forced Sferlea into errors. Her ability to close out each game without allowing the Romanian any momentum was crucial, giving India a confident 1–0 lead.
This commanding start also eased the overall pressure on the remaining matches, as India knew they had their leader contributing strongly up front.
Romania Strike Back Through Bianca Mei-Rosu
India’s second player, Syndrela Das, faced the experienced Bianca Mei-Rosu in the second rubber. Das started well, taking the opening game 11-5, but the Romanian responded with composed play, adjusting her tempo and angles. Mei-Rosu claimed the next three games 11-7, 12-10, 11-8 to seal the match 3–1 and level the tie at 1–1. Das fought hard and had her chances, especially in the third game which went to deuce, but Mei-Rosu’s rally control was the difference. With the tie now reset, India needed a fresh push.
Pritha Vartikar delivered one of the most important performances of the afternoon. Against Andreea Jifcu, Vartikar showcased maturity and balance, winning 3–1 (11-5, 14-16, 11-9, 11-8). After cruising through the opening game, she narrowly lost the second in a tight 16-14 finish, but immediately bounced back. Her ability to maintain composure after the deuce loss proved vital. Vartikar’s active backhand blocks and quick counters helped India take a 2–1 overall lead, placing them within touching distance of the quarterfinals.
Bianca Mei-Rosu Strikes Again, Takes Tie to Decider
Romania turned once more to their star, Bianca Mei-Rosu, in the fourth rubber against Taneesha Kotecha. It was a tactical battle, far closer than the scoreline suggests. Kotecha had her chances in the opening game, losing narrowly 14-16. But Mei-Rosu maintained pressure and closed out the match 3–0 (16-14, 11-8, 11-6), bringing Romania level at 2–2.
This win underlined her quality the Romanian No.1 was the strongest player on either side through the tie but it also meant the Indian girls had to brace for a high-pressure decider.
Syndrela Das Seals the Tie for India
With the entire contest resting on the last match, Syndrela Das showed exceptional nerve. Facing Alesia Sferlea, she stepped up brilliantly to claim a 3–1 win (7-11, 15-13, 11-6, 11-9), completing India’s 3–2 victory.
After losing the opening game, Das responded with resilience in the second, taking it 15-13 — a game that changed the course of the decider. Once she found her rhythm, Das varied her pushes and blocks effectively, drawing errors from Sferlea and controlling the pace of the rallies. Winning the final game 11-9 reflected her composure under pressure and her ability to execute at key points. India had their 3–2 triumph.
Looking Ahead: Quarterfinal vs Chinese Taipei
The Indian U19 Girls now face Chinese Taipei in the quarterfinals a team renowned for its depth, discipline, and world-class junior programme. It will be a test of both technical calibre and mental endurance.
For India, the confidence from edging a home team in a five-match thriller will be invaluable. With Kotecha leading from the front, Vartikar in fine touch, and Syndrela showing match-winning temperament, India enter the QF believing they can push further.
In the boys’ U15 category, the Indian team bowed out earlier in the day, losing 0–3 to Chinese Taipei in a tie where the opposition showcased superior consistency and speed.
With a medal now one step away, the Indian U19 Girls’ Team stands on the brink of a significant achievement. The win over Romania was not just a victory it was a statement of composure, grit, and ambition on the world stage.
All eyes now turn to the quarterfinal.
