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India's table tennis contingent for the upcoming Paris Olympics has been finalized, with veteran Sharath Kamal and world no. 24 Manika Batra leading the men's and women's squads respectively. The six-member teams (three in each section) were selected by the senior selection committee of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) based on the latest world rankings.Sharath, Harmeet Desai, and Manav Thakkar will form the men's team, while Manika, Sreeja Akula, and Archana Kamath will represent India in the women's category. G. Sathiyan and Ayhika Mukherjee will serve as alternate players in each section.In the men's singles, Sharath and Harmeet will compete, while Manika and Sreeja will represent India in the women's event. The selection was made as per the Olympics norms and the TTFI's pre-established criteria.Sharath, 41, will be making his fifth and final Olympic appearance in Paris. He made his Games debut in 2004 and has been a consistent performer for India over the years.The selection of the women's team sparked some debate, with Archana Kamath edging out Ayhika Mukherjee for the third spot. Kamath's higher world ranking (103) and consistent performances gave her the edge over Mukherjee (133).In the men's team, Sharath's top ranking (No. 40) ensured his selection, while Harmeet (No. 63) and Manav (No. 62) were separated by one slot in the world rankings. Harmeet's superior international and national performances earned him the nod over Manav.Massimo Costantini, a special invitee at the selection meeting, provided valuable inputs that aided in the team selection. Costantini will take charge of the Indian team for a third time next week.Alternate players Sathiyan and Ayhika will travel with the team to Paris but will not stay in the official Games Village. They will be available in case of an injury to any of the main players.

Manika Batra's stunning victory over world No. 2 Wang Manyu at the Saudi Smash tournament has sent shockwaves through the table tennis world. The Indian paddler's triumph marks a significant milestone in the evolution of Indian table tennis, challenging the long-held dominance of Chinese players.Before Manika's breakthrough, Indian players often faced a psychological barrier when competing against Chinese opponents. However, Manika's fearless approach and unwavering determination have shattered this perception. Her victory over Wang, who is considered a potential Olympic medalist, is a testament to the growing strength and confidence of Indian table tennis players.Manika's success is not a mere fluke. She has dedicated herself to rigorous training and mental conditioning. Her German sparring partner, Kirill Barabanov, played a crucial role in her preparation, providing tactical advice and emotional support.Manika's journey to the top has not been without its challenges. She has faced legal battles with the federation and endured a string of disappointing results. However, these setbacks have only fueled her determination. She has learned to manage pressure effectively and has developed a strong support system, including her coach Aman Baglu.Manika's victory is not just a personal triumph but also a symbol of the progress made by Indian table tennis. It has inspired a new generation of players to believe in their abilities and challenge the established order. As Manika prepares for the upcoming Paris Olympics, she is confident that she can continue to make history and bring glory to India.

Indian table tennis has reached unprecedented heights as both the men's and women's teams have secured historic Olympic berths for the first time based on their world rankings. This remarkable achievement marks a watershed moment for the sport in India.After the conclusion of the World Team Championships Finals in Busan, South Korea, which served as the final qualifying event for the Paris 2024 Olympics, seven spots in the team events remained. These spots were awarded to the highest-ranked teams not yet qualified, and India emerged victorious in both the men's and women's categories.In the women's event, India, ranked 13th in the world, secured its passage to Paris alongside Poland (12th), Sweden (15th), and Thailand. The men's team, ranked 15th, also booked its ticket to the Olympics, along with Croatia (12th) and Slovenia (11th).This historic qualification is a testament to the unwavering determination and exceptional talent of the Indian table tennis players. Veteran Sharath Kamal, who will be making his fifth Olympic appearance, expressed his elation on Twitter, stating, "Finally!!!! India qualifies for the team event at the Olympics! Something I have wanted for a long long time! This one is truly special, despite it being my fifth appearance at the Olympics! Kudos to our Women's Team who also secure a historical quota!"The Indian teams had narrowly missed out on Olympic berths at the World Team Championships Finals, with the men's team losing 0-3 to South Korea and the women's team falling 1-3 to Chinese Taipei in the pre-quarterfinals. However, their impressive world rankings have now earned them a place on the Olympic stage.This achievement is a significant milestone for Indian table tennis history, as it will be the first time the nation competes in the team event at the Olympics since its inception at the Beijing 2008 Games. The Indian teams will now have the opportunity to showcase their skills against the world's best and strive for Olympic glory.