India’s campaign at the WTT Star Contender Brazil Foz do Iguaçu 2025 has witnessed its share of highs and heartbreaks, but the standout story so far has been the men’s doubles run of Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah.
Displaying a blend of composure, tactical awareness and sheer fighting spirit, the Indian pair carved their way through a challenging draw to secure a coveted spot in the final of this prestigious event. In a tournament packed with world-class names and rising stars, Manav and Manush’s journey to the final has not only underlined their individual skills but also reflected how far Indian doubles has come on the international stage.
A Confident Start Against Japan
Their campaign began with a round of 16 clash against the Japanese duo of Aida and Oikawa. The match saw early exchanges where both sides looked to find rhythm, but it was the Indian pair who settled quicker, clinching the opening game 11-8.
However, the Japanese pair came back sharply in the second, exploiting brief lapses in the Indians’ defensive structure to win 11-3. For many young teams, dropping a game like that could have led to self-doubt, but Manav and Manush showed impressive maturity. They regrouped swiftly, focusing on controlled rallies and smarter placements, which paid off as they took the third game 11-8. Carrying that momentum forward, they wrapped up the match by winning the fourth game 11-6, ensuring a 3-1 victory and a place in the quarterfinals.
This opening win set the tone: it was clear this Indian pair were not just here to participate but to contend.
Quarterfinal Battle: Tested but Triumphant
The quarterfinal pitted Manav and Manush against the French pair Bourrassaud and Bardet, who had looked sharp throughout the earlier rounds. The Indian duo struck first, claiming the opening game 11-6 with disciplined service returns and sharp counter-attacks.
But the contest soon turned. The French pair found another gear, dominating the next two games 11-2 and 11-6. Bourrassaud and Bardet’s aggressive forehands and variation unsettled the Indians, putting them on the defensive and suddenly leaving Manav and Manush trailing 1-2 in the match.
At this critical juncture, the resilience of the Indian pair truly emerged. They refused to panic, instead returning to the basics — tighter blocks, better third-ball attacks, and tactical use of wide angles. This adjustment proved decisive as they took the fourth game convincingly 11-3, swinging momentum back to their side. In the deciding fifth game, Manav and Manush maintained the pressure, racing ahead and sealing the contest with an 11-6 win. Their 3-2 triumph was as much a mental victory as a technical one, highlighting their ability to adapt under pressure a hallmark of elite doubles teams.
Semifinal Test Against Taiwan’s Finest
The semifinal brought yet another stern test: Huang Yan-Cheng and Kuo Guan-Hong from Taiwan, a pair known for quick transitions and aggressive play close to the table. The match began on a tough note for the Indians as they dropped the first game 5-11. The Taiwanese pair’s dynamic attacks and quick pivots pushed Manav and Manush onto the back foot.
Yet again, though, the Indians dug deep. They tightened their receive game, improved placement on returns, and cleverly used diagonal angles to disrupt the rhythm of their opponents. The adjustment paid off immediately: they took the second game 11-9 and the third 11-6, turning the scoreline in their favour. Huang and Kuo, however, were far from finished. The fourth game saw them bounce back to win 11-8, setting up a nail-biting decider.
In the fifth and final game, Manav and Manush displayed nerves of steel. Focused footwork, timely counter-loops, and calm execution in longer rallies helped them gain the upper hand. They surged ahead to secure the game 11-5, winning the match 3-2 and booking their spot in the final.
A Final Against Europe’s Elite
With this victory, Manav and Manush now face perhaps their toughest challenge yet: Germany’s experienced duo of Dang Qiu and Benedikt Duda. Both Qiu and Duda have established themselves as formidable doubles players on the WTT circuit, combining powerful serves with swift offensive play.
For the Indian pair, this final is more than just an opportunity for a title. It is a testament to years of training, growing chemistry, and the belief that Indian doubles pairs can compete and win on the world stage.
The journey of Manav and Manush at the WTT Star Contender Brazil isn’t just about reaching the final. It signals a wider shift in Indian table tennis: the rise of doubles as a strategic priority, the depth of talent in the squad, and the ability to stay composed in world-level pressure situations. Their ability to recover after dropping games, adapt tactics mid-match, and finish strong in deciders speaks volumes about their growing maturity as a pair.
Win or lose in the final, Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah have already made a statement: Indian doubles is here to compete among the best. As they step onto the table against Dang Qiu and Benedikt Duda, they carry with them the hopes of fans back home and the momentum of a campaign defined by grit, resilience, and belief.
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