Dehradun, February 8: As the 38th National Games continue, table tennis takes center stage at the famous Parade Ground Multipurpose Hall. The team championships begin tomorrow, featuring eight men’s and women’s squads, including hosts Uttarakhand. With powerhouse states like Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Delhi in contention, the battle for supremacy promises thrilling encounters.

Defending champions Delhi (men) and Maharashtra (women) aim to retain their titles, but the competition has intensified. Tamil Nadu’s men’s squad, bolstered by veterans G. Sathiyan and Anthony Amalraj alongside young talents like P.B. Abhinand and Preyesh Raj, presents a formidable challenge.

West Bengal, strengthened by Railway players Akash Pal and Ronit Bhanja, is another serious contender. Delhi, led by Payas Jain and other youngsters, and Maharashtra, featuring Deepit Patil and Chinmaya Somaiya, add depth to the field. Meanwhile, Telangana (SFR Snehit, Mohammed Ali), Assam (Priyanuj Bhattacharya, Agniv Bhaskar), and Uttar Pradesh (Divyansh Srivastava, Sarth Mishra) look to make an impact.

In the women’s category, Maharashtra appears to be the team to beat. With a formidable squad featuring Swastika Ghosh, defending National Games champion Diya Chitale, young prodigy Taneesha Kotecha, Sayali Wani, and the seasoned Reeth Rishya they have the experience and youth on its side. However, their dominance is not a given, as West Bengal’s squad—comprising Ayhika Mukherjee, Sutirtha Mukherjee, Poymantee Baisya, veteran Mouma Das, and Moumita Datta—is equally stacked with talent and championship pedigree.

Haryana, led by Suhana Saini, Sneha Bhowmick, and Prithoki Chakraborty, could pose a challenge, especially if their young players rise at the right occasion. Tamil Nadu, Delhi, and Karnataka feature balanced teams. However, they need to deliver exceptional performances to reach the knockout stages. Gujarat with the dynamic duo of Chipia Frenaz and Oishiki Joardar may provide moments of brilliance but faces an uphill battle to progress deep into the tournament. Uttarakhand’s women’s team will have to overcome significant hurdles to make a lasting impact, like their male counterparts.

Beyond the team events, the singles and doubles categories promise intense matchups, with strategic pairings potentially altering the podium standings. Each state fields five singles players, two doubles pairs, and four mixed doubles teams, ensuring a packed schedule of high-stakes encounters.

A tournament of this magnitude demands precision in officiating, and the National Games table tennis competition is in capable hands. Director of Competition N. Ganeshan, alongside referee T.G. Upadhyay and a team of highly qualified international and national umpires, will ensure the highest standards of fairness and professionalism. Their role will be crucial in maintaining the integrity of the events, especially with high-stakes matches likely to bring tense moments.

As the first serves are struck and the rallies unfold, the table tennis competition at the 38th National Games promises to be more than just a medal hunt—it is a showcase of India’s growing depth in the sport. The event will test the mettle of established stars, introduce fresh talent to the national stage, and offer a glimpse into the future of Indian table tennis.

While state rivalries and team dynamics will define the early stages, individual brilliance, and mental toughness will determine who eventually stands atop the podium. The competition will not only reward winners. It will also highlight those who dare to challenge the established order.

The National Games table tennis event is more than just a quest for medals—it is a showcase of talent, resilience, and shifting dynamics in Indian table tennis. Established stars will defend their legacies while emerging players aim to carve their place in history.