India Gears Up for 27th Asian Table Tennis Championships

Veteran Sharath Kamal and star female player Manika Batra have been named to lead the Indian squad for the 27th Asian Table Tennis Championships in Astana from October 7 to 13. The selection process focused on world rankings, international experience, and national performance.

Veteran Sharath Kamal and prominent female player Manika Batra have been selected to lead India's squad for the 27th Asian Table Tennis Championships, set to take place in Astana from October 7 to 13.

Sharath Kamal, aged 42 and recently a participant in his fifth and final Olympics, will captain the men's team. The team includes Manav Thakkar, Harmeet Desai, G Sathiyan, and Manush Shah. Manika Batra will lead the women's team, comprising Sreeja Akula, Ayhika Mukherjee, Diya Chitale, and Sutirtha Mukherjee.

The rigorous selection process prioritized world rankings, international experience, and national performance, as stated by the TTFI. The Indian squad has been under the guidance of foreign expert Massimo Constantini since June, who expressed optimism about their prospects in the upcoming championship. The event is pivotal for qualifications for the World Table Tennis Championships and Asian Games.

(With inputs from agencies.)