Indian Table Tennis Players Lose Pre‑Quarterfinals at Asian Games

At the Nagoya Asian Games, Indian table tennis stars Manush Shah and Yashaswini Ghorpade were eliminated in the pre‑quarterfinals of the men’s and women’s singles events. Their losses to China’s Lin Shidong and Japan’s Miwa Harimoto ended India’s singles campaigns, but the country still secured a b…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 26 Sep 2026 08:10:22 GMT

In a day that saw mixed emotions for Indian table tennis, two of the country’s brightest talents, Manush Shah and Yashaswini Ghorpade, were knocked out of the men’s and women’s singles draws at the Asian Games in Nagoya. Both players had built strong momentum in earlier rounds, but the pre‑quarterfinals proved a turning point, ending their individual campaigns with defeats that highlighted the depth of competition in the sport.

Manush Shah’s Exit Against China’s Lin Shidong

Shah, who entered the tournament as a rising star after a string of national titles, faced China’s world No. 8 Lin Shidong in the men’s singles pre‑quarterfinal. The match was a straight‑sets loss for Shah, who fell 0‑4 with scores of 4‑11, 4‑11, 9‑11 and 10‑12. Lin, a seasoned veteran on the international circuit, used his experience and aggressive play to dominate the encounter. Shah’s early exit was a disappointment for the Indian contingent, but it underscored the challenge of competing against the top Chinese players who have historically dominated the sport.

Yashaswini Ghorpade’s Battle with Japan’s Miwa Harimoto

Ghorpade, a former national champion and a key figure in India’s women’s table tennis scene, faced Japan’s Miwa Harimoto in the women’s singles third round. The match ended 1‑4 in favor of Harimoto, with Ghorpade winning only the second set 11‑4. The Japanese player, known for her rapid footwork and deceptive spin, proved too strong for Ghorpade, who struggled to keep up with the pace and variety of shots. Ghorpade’s loss meant that India’s hopes of a medal in the women’s singles were extinguished early in the tournament.

Mixed Doubles Success: A Silver Lining

Despite the setbacks in singles, India celebrated a bronze medal in the mixed doubles event. Shah partnered with Diya Chitale, and the duo advanced to the semi‑finals before falling to the Chinese pair. They then secured third place by defeating the host nation’s team in the bronze‑medal match. This bronze was only the second mixed‑doubles medal for India at the Asian Games, following the bronze won by Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra in Jakarta 2018. Across all editions of the Games, India has now earned four table tennis medals, with the mixed‑doubles bronze adding to the tally.

Context: India’s Table Tennis Journey at the Asian Games

India’s presence in table tennis at the Asian Games has grown steadily over the past decade. The country’s first medal came in 2002, and since then athletes like Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, and more recently, Manush Shah and Yashaswini Ghorpade have pushed the sport into the national spotlight. The 2026 Games in Nagoya were highly competitive, with powerhouses such as China, Japan, and South Korea fielding their best squads. India’s focus has been on developing a balanced team that can compete in singles, doubles, and mixed events, and the bronze in mixed doubles signals progress in that direction.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Indian Table Tennis?

With the Games concluded, the Indian table tennis federation is already looking toward the next major international competitions, including the World Championships and the upcoming Olympic cycle. Shah and Ghorpade, both in their early thirties, are expected to continue representing India on the world stage, while younger players such as Rishabh Yadav and Anika Sharma are emerging as potential future stars. The federation’s coaching and development programs aim to build on the lessons learned in Nagoya, focusing on endurance, tactical variety, and mental resilience to prepare athletes for the highest levels of competition.

In summary, while the singles campaigns of Shah and Ghorpade ended in disappointment, India’s bronze in mixed doubles provides a positive takeaway. The experience gained from competing against top-tier opponents will be invaluable as the country seeks to elevate its status in international table tennis.

Key facts

Manush Shah lost 0‑4 to China’s Lin Shidong in the men’s singles pre‑quarterfinal.
Yashaswini Ghorpade fell 1‑4 to Japan’s Miwa Harimoto in the women’s singles third round.
India secured a bronze medal in mixed doubles with Shah and Diya Chitale.
This bronze is India’s second mixed‑doubles medal at the Asian Games, following 2018.
The Games showcased the depth of competition from China, Japan, and South Korea.
India’s table tennis program is focusing on building resilience and tactical versatility for future events.

Why it matters

The results highlight both the challenges and progress of Indian table tennis on a continental stage, underscoring the need for continued investment in athlete development and international exposure.