Can Manav Thakkar Maintain His Winning Streak at the Asian Table Tennis Championships?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Manav Thakkar aims to continue his winning streak at the Asian Championships.
- He has previously won medals in major competitions.
- Thakkar appreciates the world-class facilities in Odisha.
- Team India is confident and well-prepared for the tournament.
- The event will serve as a qualifier for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships.
Bhubaneswar, Oct 10 (NationPress) India's prominent table tennis player Manav Thakkar, who once held the title of World No. 1 in the U-18 and U-21 categories, expressed his optimism about extending his winning momentum at the ITTF-ATTU Asian Table Tennis Team Championships 2025, set to occur from October 11 to 15 in this city.
The competition will solely include men's and women's team events and will serve as a qualifying platform for the 2026 ITTF World Team Championships, with the top 13 teams from each division securing their places.
On the upcoming tournament, Thakkar mentioned, “The arrangements here are exceptional. This marks my third trip to Odisha; my previous visits were for the Commonwealth Championships and the Senior Nationals, where I earned a bronze and a gold medal. I am hopeful that my winning streak will extend to the Asian Championships.”
He further shared his hopes for Team India, stating, “Our squad is thoroughly prepared and confident. Competing in Indian conditions gives us an edge, and the local support will uplift our spirits. In previous Asian Championships, I’ve secured bronze medals, but this time, I aim to upgrade that to silver or gold.”
Praising Odisha's burgeoning sports infrastructure, Thakkar noted, “The facilities here are genuinely world-class. This is my first encounter with such a large indoor athletic arena. I've heard that the Sports Science Centre here ranks among the best in India, and I am eager to visit it. The sports complex is one of the largest I've encountered, featuring excellent lodging and warm hospitality. Competing in Odisha is always a delight.”
Currently, Thakkar holds the 39th position in singles and the 7th in doubles globally. He has clinched a bronze medal at both the Asian Games and Asian Championships, along with a gold medal at the Commonwealth Championship in team and doubles events.