Will Manav Thakkar's Winning Streak Continue at the Asian Table Tennis Championships?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Manav Thakkar aims to continue his winning streak at the Asian Championships.
- The tournament will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 World Team Championships.
- Home conditions provide an advantage for Team India.
- Thakkar has a history of medal wins in previous championships.
- Odisha's sports infrastructure is highly regarded.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) Manav Thakkar, India’s prominent table tennis player and a former World No. 1 in the U-18 and U-21 categories, expressed his optimism about maintaining his winning momentum at the ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships 2025, set to take place from October 11-15 in this city.
This championship will feature competitions exclusively for men’s and women’s teams and also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships, with the top 13 teams in each category securing their spots.
Reflecting on the tournament, Thakkar remarked, “The organization here is exceptional. This marks my third trip to Odisha — my previous visits were for the Commonwealth Championships and the Senior Nationals — during which I earned a bronze and a gold medal. I am hopeful that my winning streak continues at the Asian Championships.”
When discussing Team India’s prospects, he stated, “Our team is thoroughly prepared and confident. Competing in Indian conditions gives us an edge, and the support from home will uplift our spirits. I have secured bronze medals in past Asian Championships, but this time, I aim to elevate the color — ideally to silver or gold.”
Praising Odisha’s evolving sports infrastructure, Thakkar noted, “The facilities here are genuinely world-class. It’s my first time experiencing such an expansive indoor athletic stadium. I have heard that the Sports Science Centre here ranks among the finest in India, and I look forward to visiting it. The sports campus is one of the largest I’ve encountered, complete with excellent accommodations and warm hospitality. Competing in Odisha is always a delight.”
Currently, Thakkar holds the 39th position in singles and 7th in doubles globally. He has earned a bronze medal at both the Asian Games and Asian Championships, along with a gold medal at the Commonwealth Championship in both team and doubles events.