As the table tennis world shifts its spotlight to Las Vegas for the WTT US Smash 2025, India is all set to make its mark with a strong and diverse contingent featuring some of the country’s most promising names across singles, doubles, and mixed events.
Scheduled to take place at the Orleans Arena from July 3 to 13, the tournament marks a historic milestone for the sport in the United States and an exciting challenge for Indian paddlers looking to break into the top tier of world competition.
Indian Contingent Overview
India is fielding a 17-member squad across all categories at the US Smash 2025. The draw includes a mix of seasoned professionals like Manika Batra, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, and Harmeet Desai, along with emerging stars such as Diya Chitale, Yashaswini Ghorpade and Manush Shah.
Here’s a breakdown of the Indian lineup:
Men’s Singles
- Manav Thakkar (Main Draw)
- Harmeet Desai, Manush Shah, Snehit Suravajjula, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Payas Jain (Qualification Draw)
Women’s Singles
- Manika Batra, Sreeja Akula (Main Draw)
- Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, Sutirtha Mukherjee (Qualification Draw)
Men’s Doubles
- Manav Thakkar / Manush Shah
- Mudit Dani / Olajide Omotayo 🇳🇬 (India-Nigeria pairing)
Women’s Doubles
- Yashaswini Ghorpade / Diya Chitale
Mixed Doubles
- Diya Chitale / Manush Shah
US Smash 2025: A Landmark Moment for Global Table Tennis
This is the first-ever WTT Grand Smash on American soil, and organizers are going all out to make it a spectacle. The event will feature Olympic medalists, world champions, and a US Smash Para Showcase from July 7–9, blending elite sport with inclusive competition and entertainment. A total of 64 players each in men’s and women’s singles main draws, along with robust doubles categories, will bring a Grand Slam-like flair to the sport something not often associated with table tennis in the U.S.
The tournament has attracted top international names, including Puerto Rican star Adriana Díaz, who is ranked 21st in the world and is set to play in the main draw. Backed by her family and driven by the mission to “put Puerto Rico on the table tennis map,” Díaz adds an emotional and competitive edge to the draw.
India’s Stakes at the Smash
The Indian challenge at the US Smash comes at a crucial point in the calendar. With the Paris Olympics having concluded last year, and the World Team Championships and Asian Championships on the horizon, this Grand Smash offers valuable ranking points, confidence, and exposure.
- Manika Batra, who has long carried the torch for Indian women’s table tennis, will aim to go deep in the main draw and challenge the world’s elite. Sreeja Akula, coming off a string of strong UTT showings, is another name to watch.
- In the men’s singles, Manav Thakkar will be India’s only direct main draw entrant, while Sathiyan, Harmeet, and others must navigate a tough qualification route. However, recent form suggests Indian paddlers are closing the gap against top-ranked opposition.
- India’s doubles pairs could prove to be dark horses. The youthful combination of Yashaswini and Diya in the women’s doubles and Manav-Manush in the men’s draw bring a blend of aggression and agility. And with the surprise India-Nigeria pairing of Mudit Dani and Olajide Omotayo, the men’s doubles event adds an international flavor that mirrors the global spirit of the tournament. One Pair to watch out for is Manush and Diya.
A Platform for Youth and Depth
This tournament could be especially transformative for younger players like Yashaswini Ghorpade, Diya Chitale, and Payas Jain who’ve been knocking on the doors of top-tier events for the past two years. The WTT Grand Smash provides a rare opportunity to test themselves against the very best, on a truly global stage.
For example, Diya and Manush, competing in mixed doubles, will get to face international combinations a crucial experience ahead of bigger assignments, such as the World Championships or the Asian Games.
What This Means for Indian Table Tennis
India’s presence at the US Smash is about more than just results. It reflects:
- The depth of talent in both men’s and women’s squads.
- The growing emphasis on doubles and mixed combinations.
- A new crop of youthful, fearless athletes ready to take on the best.
While medals may be ambitious at this level, quarterfinal or Round of 16 appearances by any Indian in singles or doubles would mark a huge statement. For younger players in particular, a good showing in Las Vegas can provide a springboard for the rest of the WTT season and beyond.
Final Word
The US Smash 2025 is more than just a tournament it’s a new chapter for global table tennis, one that merges world-class competition with new geographies and fresh narratives. For India, it’s a chance to showcase not just individuals, but a system that’s slowly but surely producing a well-rounded squad across categories.
With a blend of veterans and rising stars, India enters Las Vegas not just to participate but to compete. And come July 13, if a few upsets and podium finishes do come their way, don’t be surprised.
Let the Vegas rallies begin.
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