Table Tennis Awards Got By Indian Players

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In the dynamic realm of table tennis, India has emerged as a powerhouse, boasting a cadre of exceptionally talented players who have left an indelible mark on the international stage. From thrilling rallies to strategic prowess, these athletes have not only raised the bar for Indian table tennis but have also garnered accolades and awards that reflect their dedication and skill. This article delves into the remarkable journeys of the most awarded table tennis players from India, exploring their triumphs, challenges, and the sheer determination that has propelled them to the sport’s zenith.

As the popularity of table tennis continues to soar in India, a select group of players has etched their names in history by amassing an impressive array of awards and achievements. From prestigious tournaments on the global circuit to continental championships, these athletes have demonstrated their mettle and resilience, contributing significantly to India’s growing prominence in the world of table tennis. Join us on a journey to unravel the stories of these exceptional players, understanding the pivotal moments that define their careers and celebrating the triumphs that have solidified their status as the torchbearers of Indian table tennis excellence.

Indian Table Tennis Awards

India hosts several prestigious table tennis tournaments, including the National Table Tennis Championships, the Ultimate Table Tennis League, and the Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships. These events serve as crucial platforms for showcasing the prowess of Indian players and nurturing emerging talents. Additionally, noteworthy awards like the Arjuna Award and the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna recognize outstanding sports contributions, further motivating players to excel on national and international stages. The amalgamation of these tournaments and accolades underscores the vibrant landscape of table tennis in India and the nation’s commitment to fostering excellence in the sport.

Arjuna Awardees

The Arjuna Award is a prestigious honor bestowed by the Government of India to outstanding athletes for their exceptional achievements and contributions to sports. Named after the legendary warrior Arjuna from the Indian epic Mahabharata, the award recognizes athletes who have displayed consistent excellence, sportsmanship, and dedication in their respective fields, making them exemplary role models for aspiring athletes across the country.

Since 1961, the Arjuna Award 31 Indian players were awarded for their achievements in table tennis. Here they are: 

From 1961 to 1980	Awardees	From 1981 to 1990	Awardees	From 1991 to 2022	Awardees
1961	J. C. Vohra	1981	Manjit Dua	2002	Mantu Ghosh
1964	Gautam R. Diwan	1982	Venugopal Chandrasekhar	2004	Sharath Kamal
1966	Usha Sunder Das	1985	Kamlesh Mehta	2005	Soumyadeep Roy
1967	Faruk R. Khodaiji	1987	Monalisa Baruah Mehta	2006	Subhajit Saha
1969	Mir Khasim Ali	1989	Niyati Shah	2009	Poulomi Ghatak
1970	Gudalore Jagannath	1990	M. S. Walia	2013	Mouma Das
1971	Kaity Farookh Khodaiji	1997	Chetan Baboor	2016	Soumyajit Ghosh
1973	Niraj Ramkrishna Bajaj	1998	Subramaniam Raman	2017	Anthony Amalraj
1976	Shailaja Salokhe			2018	Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra
1979 and 1980	Indu Puri			2019	Harmeet Desai
				2020	Madhurika Patkar
				2022	Sreeja Akula

Table Tennis Federation of India And Ultimate Table Tennis

The Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) serves as the governing body overseeing the development, promotion, and organization of table tennis in the country. Established in 1926, the TTFI has played a pivotal role in fostering the growth of the sport across India, coordinating national tournaments, and facilitating the participation of Indian athletes in international competitions. Committed to advancing the standard of table tennis, the federation actively engages in talent identification programs, coaching initiatives, and the formulation of policies that contribute to the overall enhancement of the sport at both the grassroots and elite levels. The TTFI’s efforts have been instrumental in positioning India as a formidable force in the global table tennis arena. For the start of 2024, in TTFI are around 8500 athletes. 

TTFI works also as an administrator of the professional Ultimate Table Tennis league. It was launched in 2017 and includes 6 teams as city-franchise (as IPL or PKL). The champions of the 2023 season are Bengaluru Smashers from Bengaluru, Karnataka. The team squad includes: 

• Kirill Gerassimenko;
• Sanil Shetty;
• Ankur Bhattacharjee;
• Natalia Bajor;
• Manika Batra;
• Poymantee Baisya. 

Khel Ratna Award

The Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is India’s highest sporting honor, conferred upon athletes who have exhibited exceptional performance and consistently achieved outstanding results in their respective sports disciplines. Instituted in 1991-92, the award aims to recognize and motivate athletes to strive for excellence at the international level. Named after former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, the Khel Ratna is a testament to an athlete’s exemplary contribution to the country’s sporting legacy. Recipients not only receive the prestigious honor but are also bestowed with a medal, a certificate, and a substantial cash prize as a token of appreciation for their dedication and accomplishments in the realm of sports.

For achievements in table tennis, players are typically honored with the Arjuna Award, recognizing their consistent excellence, sportsmanship, and significant contributions to the sport. While the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is the highest sporting honor in India, it is not specific to any particular sport and is awarded to athletes from various disciplines.  

Since 1991, only 2 athletes scored the Khel Ratna Award for their results in table tennis. They are Manika Batra (1995) in 2020 and Sharath Kamal (1982) in 2022. 

International Table Tennis Awards Scored By Indian Players

In the dynamic world of table tennis, India has produced a cadre of exceptionally talented players who have not only elevated the nation’s standing in the sport but have also etched their names on the international stage with a collection of prestigious awards. These remarkable athletes, with their unmatched skill, strategic prowess, and relentless dedication, have become synonymous with excellence in table tennis. This article explores the inspiring journeys and accomplishments of the most famous Indian table tennis players, delving into the pivotal moments that have garnered them international acclaim and cemented their status as icons in the world of this fast-paced and highly competitive sport.

World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC)

The World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC) is a premier international tournament organized by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) every two years. It attracts elite players from around the globe, featuring competitions in various categories such as singles and doubles. The championships serve as a platform for showcasing top-tier talent, with athletes vying for the esteemed title of world champion and contributing to the sport’s global appeal.

India actively participates in the World Table Tennis Championships (WTTC), sending its top players to compete on the global stage. The country has made significant strides in recent years, with players showcasing their skills in various categories, contributing to India’s growing prominence in international table tennis competitions.

Despite the regular participation of Indian athletes, the world championship is completely dominated by the Chinese. Indian athletes have won a medal only once in the history of the championship (since 1926). It was bronze for 3rd place in 1926, at the first tournament. In that season, the Indian team included the following players: 

• Athar-Ali Fyzee;
• Hassan Ali Fyzee;
• A.M. Peermahomed;
• B.C. Singh;
• S.R.G. Suppiah.

Olympic Games

Table tennis, a fast-paced and exhilarating sport, has been a staple of the Olympic Games since 1988. Governed by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), the competition features both team and individual events for men and women. India, while historically competitive, has made substantial strides in recent years, with players consistently representing the nation at the highest level. Notable Indian table tennis athletes, such as Achanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra, have left a mark on the Olympic stage, showcasing their prowess and competing fiercely against top-ranked opponents. The sport’s inclusion in the Olympic program has provided Indian players with a global platform to exhibit their skills and contribute to the country’s growing reputation in international table tennis competitions.

During the 9 Olympic Games (1988-2020), the Indian team fielded from 2 to 6 table tennis athletes in each season. Here are their results:

Year of OG	Results
1988	men single: Kamlesh Mehta — 25th from 57men pair: Kamlesh Mehta and Sujay Ghorpade — 21st from 29women single: Niyati C. Roy — 41st from 41
1992	men single: Kamlesh Mehta — 17th from 49 and Chetan Panduranga Baboor — 49th from 49men pair: Kamlesh Mehta and Sujay Ghorpade — 25th from 25women single: Niyati C. Roy-Shah — 33rd from 49
1996	men single: Chetan Panduranga Baboor — 49th from 49women single: Ambika Radhika — 49th from 49
2000	men single: Chetan Panduranga Baboor — 33rd from 49men pair: Chetan Panduranga Baboor and Raman Subramanyay — 25th from 33women single: Poulomi Ghatak — 49th from 49
2004	men single: Sharath Kamal Achanta — 33rd from 49women single: Mouma Das — 49th from 49
2008	men single: Sharath Kamal Achanta — 33rd from 65
2012	men single: Soumyajit Ghosh — 33rd from 49women single: Ankita Das — 49th from 65
2016	men single: Soumyajit Ghosh and Sharath Kamal Achanta — both were 49th from 65women single: Mouma Das and Manika Batra — both were 49th from 65
2020	men single: Kamal Achanta — 17th from 65 and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran — 33rd from 65women single: Manika Batra — 17th from 65 and Sutirtha Mukherjee — 33rd from 65mixed pair: Kamal Achanta and Manika Batra — 9th from 9

ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup

The ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup is a prestigious table tennis tournament organized by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU). This tournament serves as a continental championship for the Asian region and features top players from Asian countries. The competition typically includes both men’s and women’s events, and players qualify based on their performances in regional qualification events.

The ITTF-ATTU Asian Cup provides a platform for the best Asian table tennis players to compete against each other, showcasing high-level skills and offering valuable international exposure. The winners of the Asian Cup may earn qualification spots for other major international events, such as the ITTF World Cup.

In all years (since 1983) Indian athletes scored 3 medals: 1 silver and 2 bronzes. In the total rank, the Indian team poses 7th place from a total of 8 (the bottom is Chinese Tapei). The silver was by Chetan Baboor in 1997, and the bronze was by Chetan Baboor in 2000 and Manika Batra in 2022. 

Asian Table Tennis Championships

The Asian Table Tennis Championships (ATTC) is a premier table tennis tournament organized by the Asian Table Tennis Union (ATTU). It brings together top players from across Asia to compete in various categories, including men’s and women’s singles and doubles. The championship serves as a crucial platform for athletes to showcase their skills, and winners often secure coveted qualification spots for international events. The ATTC plays a significant role in fostering regional camaraderie and promoting the development of table tennis talent in the Asian continent.

Here are the results of the Indian athletes: 

• 1957 and 1960 — silver medals for men’s team;
• 1960 — bronze medal for women’s team;
• 2021 and 2023 — bronze medals for men’s team. 

Asian Games

The Asian Games, a multi-sport event held every four years, includes table tennis as one of its prominent disciplines. Organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), the table tennis competition at the Asian Games attracts top players from across the continent, creating a fiercely competitive environment. India actively participates in the table tennis events, with its skilled athletes aiming for podium finishes. Indian players, such as Achanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra, have consistently represented the nation with distinction, contributing to the growth of table tennis in India on the continental stage. The Asian Games provide a crucial platform for Indian table tennis players to test their mettle against formidable opponents and showcase their talent on the international platform.

From 1958 to 2022, India has scored only 3 bronze medals: twice in 2018 (for men’s and women’s teams), and once in 2022 by women’s pair Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee. 

Commonwealth Games

Table tennis is a significant and fiercely contested sport at the Commonwealth Games, a multi-sport event held every four years. The Commonwealth Games Federation oversees the inclusion of table tennis, where nations from the Commonwealth compete for glory. India actively participates in the table tennis events at the Commonwealth Games, fielding a talented contingent of players. Indian athletes, including the likes of Achanta Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra, have consistently showcased their skills, contributing to India’s success in the sport. The Commonwealth Games serve as a crucial platform for Indian table tennis players to compete against competitors from Commonwealth nations, providing an opportunity to demonstrate their prowess and bring home medals, thereby enhancing the country’s standing in international table tennis competitions.

In total, India scored 25 medals in the Commonwealth Games: there were 9 gold, 5 silver, and 11 bronze. With that result, India posed second place in the total rank, after Singapore (with 55 medals in total). 

Here are the table tennis awards in the Commonwealth Games for Indian athletes: 

Year	Result
2002	bronze in men’s single by Chetan Baboorbronze in men’s double by Raman Subramanyan and Chetan Baboor bronze by men’s team (Chetan Baboor, Chakraborty Sourav, Soumyadeep Roy, Subhajit Saha, Raman Subramanyan)
2006	gold in men’s single by Sharath Kamalgold by the men’s team (Sharath Kamal, Shibaji Datta, Soumyadeep Roy, Subhajit Saha)bronze by the women’s team (Kasturi Chakraborty, Poulomi Ghatak, Mouma Das, Nandita Saha, Shamini Kumaresan)
2010	bronze in men’s single by Sharath Kamalgold in men’s double by Sharath Kamal and Subhajit Sahabronze in women’s double by Mouma Das and Poulomi Ghatakbronze by men’s team (Sharath Kamal, Anthony Amalraj, Abiishek Ravichandran, Soumyadeep Roy, Subhajit Saha)silver by women’s team (Mouma Das, Poulomi Ghatak, Shamini Kumaresan, Mamta Prabhu, Madhurika Suhas Patkar)
2014	silver in men’s double by Sharath Kamal and Anthony Amalraj
2018	bronze in men’s single by Sharath Kamalgold in women’s single by Manika Batrasilver in men’s double by Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaranbronze in men’s double by Harmeet Desai and Sanil Shankar Shettysilver in women’s double by Manika Batra and Mouma Dasbronze in mixed double by Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batragold by men’s team (Sharath Kamal, Anthony Amalraj, Harmeet Desai, Sanil Shetty, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran)gold by women’s team (Manika Batra, Mouma Das, Sutirtha Mukherjee, Madhurika Patkar, Pooja Sahasrabudhe)
2022	gold in men’s single by Sharath Kamalbronze in men’s single by Sathiyan Gnanasekaransilver in men’s double by Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekarangold in mixed double by Sharath Kamal and Sreeja Akulagold by men’s team (Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, Sanil Shetty, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran)

Conclusion

In the dynamic realm of table tennis, Indian players have not only demonstrated remarkable prowess on the international stage but have also adorned themselves with prestigious awards, symbolizing their dedication, skill, and indomitable spirit. From the Arjuna Award to the Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna, these accolades stand as testaments to the athletes’ tireless efforts in elevating India’s standing in the world of table tennis. As the nation continues to nurture and celebrate its table tennis talents, the recognition bestowed upon players like Manika Batra, Achanta Sharath Kamal, and others serves as an inspiration for aspiring paddlers. These awards not only honor individual achievements but also contribute to the broader narrative of India’s growing dominance in the sport, shaping a legacy that resonates with passion, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence. The future undoubtedly holds exciting prospects for Indian table tennis, with these awards acting as beacons guiding the path toward continued success and recognition on the global stage.

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