India places three doubles pairs in ITTF top 10 for first time

India achieved a historic milestone by placing three doubles pairs in the top 10 of the latest ITTF World Rankings. Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah climbed to World No. 2, while India's women's and mixed doubles pairs also secured top-10 rankings.

Hyderabad: Indian table tennis reached a milestone on Tuesday as the country placed three doubles pairs across the men’s, women’s and mixed doubles categories in the top 10 of the latest ITTF World Rankings, underscoring its emergence as a global force in the sport.

Leading the charge are Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah, who climbed to World No. 2 in the men’s doubles rankings, the highest-ever ranking achieved by an Indian pair in any doubles discipline.

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In women’s doubles, Diya Chitale and Yashaswini Ghorpade broke into the top 10 by reaching World No. 10, while Diya Chitale and Manush Shah rose to World No. 5 in the mixed doubles rankings.

It is the first time that India has had three doubles pairs, one each in men’s, women’s and mixed doubles, simultaneously ranked inside the top 10 of the ITTF World Rankings.

The achievement highlights India’s growing stature as one of the strongest doubles-playing nations in world table tennis, with the country’s partnerships consistently challenging traditional powerhouses such as China, Japan, South Korea and Chinese Taipei.

The milestone also comes at a significant juncture for the sport, with doubles set to return to the Olympic programme at the Los Angeles 2028 Games, increasing the importance of the event on the international circuit.

Although India has produced several accomplished singles players over the years, many of its biggest international successes have come in doubles competitions. The latest rankings reflect the depth and quality of the country’s current doubles combinations and reinforce India’s reputation as a formidable force across all three doubles categories.