Indian paddlers reaffirmed their regional dominance at the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships in Shimla, a crucial qualifier for the Asian Youth Championships, delivering a near-flawless campaign across categories.
India has secured 13 gold medals, including three team titles won earlier, along with four silvers, underlining its depth across age groups.
In the Under-19 boys’ singles final, yet another all-Indian affair, Priyanuj Bhattacharyya defeated Punit Biswas 3-1 to bag the gold, pushing compatriot to the silver medal. Earlier, Priyanuj Bhattacharyya and Punit eased past opponents from Sri Lanka and Nepal in the semifinals.
In doubles, M.R. Balamurugan and Mehan Senthil overcame a first-game setback to defeat Bangladesh's Abul Hasib and Nafiz Iqbal and clinch the title.
In the Under-15 Boys' section, Aditya Das produced a commanding performance to beat fellow Indian Akshay Kirikara in the final. The pair had earlier dominated their respective semifinals, ensuring India's hold on the title. The doubles crown also stayed at home, with Rishaan Chattopadhyay and Akash Rajavelu prevailing in a closely fought five-game encounter against Nepal.
The Girls' events mirrored this dominance. Jennifer Varghese rallied from a game down to defeat Ananya Muralidharan in an all-India Under-19 final, while Ankolika Chakraborty outplayed Aahona Ray to secure the Under-15 crown in another domestic showdown.
India completed clean sweeps in both Girls' doubles categories as well. Prisha Goel and Ditsa Roy captured the Under-19 title in straight games, while Sreejani Chakraborty and Tanishka Kalbhairav bounced back strongly after dropping the opening game to win the Under-15 final.
The mixed doubles events further highlighted India's superiority. Priyanuj Bhattacharyya and Jennifer Varghese dominated the Under-19 final, while Aditya Das paired with Ankolika Chakraborty to seal the Under-15 title without conceding a game.
Results:
Under 19 Boys Singles: Priyanuj Bhattacharyya (Ind) bt Punit Biswas (Ind) 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6.
Semifinals: Priyanuj bt Akain Viyanduwa (Sri) 11-7, 11-7, 11-7; Punit bt Himal Bista (Nep) 10-12, 13-11, 11-6, 11-7.
Doubles: Final: M.R. Balamurugan/Mehan Senthil (Ind) bt Abul Hsib/Nafiz Iqbal (Ban) 9-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-5.
Under 15 Boys Singles: Aditya Das (Ind) bt Akshay Kirikara (Ind) 11-6, 11-6, 11-6.
Semifinals: Aditya bt Sanon Menuwelge (Sri) 11-4, 11-5, 11-8; Akshay bt Reevan Bajracharya (Nep) 11-4, 11-1, 11-5.
Doubles: Final: Rishaan Chattopadhyay/Akash Rajavelu (Ind) bt Reevan Bajracharya/Nischal Thapa (Nep) 8-11, 13-11, 9-11, 11-1, 11-4.
Under 19 Girls Singles: Jennifer Varghese (Ind) bt Ananya Muralidharan (Ind) 7-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6.
Semifinals: Jennifer bt Shamalsha Halawathage (Sri) 11-6, 11-4, 11-5; Ananya bt Fathimath Ali (Mdv) 11-6, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5.
Doubles: Final: Prisha Goel/Ditsa Roy (Ind) bt Binaca Rai/Evaana Thapa (Nep) 11-5, 11-9, 13-11.
Under 15 Girls Singles: Ankolika Chakraborty (Ind) bt Aahona Ray (Ind) 12-10, 15-13, 8-11, 11-5.
Semifinals: Ankolika bt Chanuki Kariyawasam (Sri) 11-7, 11-8, 11-1; Ahona bt Muthuli Welathanthrige (Sri) 11-8, 11-4, 11-6.
Doubles: Final: Sreejani Chakraborty/Tanishka Kalbhairav (Ind) bt Arsana Maharjan/Suramya Shakya (Nep) 14-16, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4.
Under 19 Mixed Doubles: Final: Priyanuj Bhattacharyya/Jennifer Vaarghese (Ind) bt Mohammed Rafiu/Fathimath Ali (Mdv) 12-10, 11-2,11-5.
Under 15 Mixed Doubles: Final: Aditya Das/Ankolika Chakraborty (Ind) bt Mohammed Rafiu/Aishath Nafiz (Mdv) 11-5, 11-4, 11-9.