Credit: Twitter
Indian men’s and women’s table tennis teams have secured their spot in the round of 16 stage, at the Asian Games 2023, after winning their final group matches on September 23, Saturday. At the Gongshu Canal Sports Park Gymnasium, the Indian men’s table tennis team thrashed Tajikistan by 3-0, to win their third straight tie within two days in Group F.
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Manav Thakkar started the day for India, defeating Afzalkhon Mahmudov in three straight games, with a scoreline of 11-8, 11-5, and 11-8, to put his team in a 1-0 lead in the tie. Manush Shah was in a tough battle against Ubaydullo Sultonov, especially in the early stages, but he managed to hold his nerve to win it by 13-11, 11-8, and 11-5.
Harmeet Desai was involved in a one-sided contest against Ibrokhim Ismoilzoda, becoming victorious in three straight games, with the scoreline reading 11-1, 11-3, and 11-5, to take the team through to the round of 16, where they will face Kazakhstan. Yesterday, India had won their first tie against Yemen by 3-0, before they prevailed against Singapore by 3-1 in their second tie.
India women’s table tennis team defeat Nepal by 3-0 in their second tie
After defeating Singapore by 3-2 in a tough tie yesterday in Group F, the Indian women’s team had a comparatively easier tie, which they managed to win against Nepal by 3-0, to reach the round of 16, where they will play against Thailand. It was Diya Parag Chitale, who started the proceedings for India, brushing aside Sikka Shrestha in three straight games by 11-1, 11-5, and 11-8, to give them the 1-0 lead in the tie against Nepal.
Ayhika Mukherjee won her match against Nabita Shrestha comfortably, with a margin of 11-3, 11-7, and 11-2. Sutirtha Mukherjee defeated Evana Thapa Magar, with the scoreline reading 11-1, 11-5, and 11-2, to ensure their safe passage through to the next round of the competition.
