Published: April 11, 2026 at 5:24 pm
Jennifer Verghese and Priyanuj Bhattacharyya bagged a double each as the Indian paddlers reaffirmed their regional dominance at the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championships in Shimla on Saturday, a crucial qualifier for the Asian Youth Championships, delivering a near-flawless campaign across categories.
India secured 13 gold medals, including three team titles won earlier, along with four silvers, underlining their depth across age groups.
In the Under-19 boys’ singles final, yet another all-Indian affair, Priyanuj Bhattacharyya defeated Punit Biswas 3-1 to bag the gold, pushing compatriot to the silver medal. Earlier, Priyanuj Bhattacharyya and Punit eased past opponents from Sri Lanka and Nepal in the semifinals.
Priyanuj Bhattacharyya defeated Punit Biswas 3-1 to bag the gold in the Under-19 boys’ singles category
In doubles, M R Balamurugan and Mehan Senthil overcame a first-game setback to defeat Bangladesh’s Abul Hasib and Nafiz Iqbal and clinch the title.
In the Under-15 Boys’ section, Aditya Das produced a commanding performance to beat fellow Indian Akshay Kirikara in the final. The pair had earlier dominated their respective semifinals, ensuring India’s hold on the title. The doubles crown also stayed at home, with Rishaan Chattopadhyay and Akash Rajavelu prevailing in a closely fought five-game encounter against Nepal.
Jennifer rallies past Ananya
The Girls’ events mirrored this dominance. Jennifer Varghese rallied from a game down to defeat Ananya Muralidharan in an all-India Under-19 final, while Ankolika Chakraborty outplayed Aahona Ray to secure the Under-15 crown in another domestic showdown.
India completed clean sweeps in both Girls’ doubles categories as well. Prisha Goel and Ditsa Roy captured the Under-19 title in straight games, while Sreejani Chakraborty and Tanishka Kalbhairav bounced back strongly after dropping the opening game to win the Under-15 final.
Indian junior paddlers bag triple gold, Bangla win U-19 boys top honours at Asian Youth TT
The mixed doubles events further highlighted India’s superiority. Priyanuj Bhattacharyya and Jennifer Varghese dominated the Under-19 final, while Aditya Das paired with Ankolika Chakraborty to seal the Under-15 title without conceding a game.
Results: Under 19 boys singles (final): Priyanuj Bhattacharyya (Ind) beat Punit Biswas (Ind) 11-7, 6-11, 11-7, 11-6. Semifinals: Priyanuj beat Akain Viyanduwa (Sri) 11-7, 11-7, 11-7; Punit beat Himal Bista (Nep) 10-12, 13-11, 11-6, 11-7.
Doubles (final): M.R. Balamurugan/Mehan Senthil (Ind) beat Abul Hsib/Nafiz Iqbal (Ban) 9-11, 11-7, 11-4, 11-5.
Under 15 boys singles (final): Aditya Das (Ind) beat Akshay Kirikara (Ind) 11-6, 11-6, 11-6. Semifinals: Aditya beat Sanon Menuwelge (Sri) 11-4, 11-5, 11-8; Akshay beat Reevan Bajracharya (Nep) 11-4, 11-1, 11-5.
Doubles (Final): Rishaan Chattopadhyay/Akash Rajavelu (Ind) beat Reevan Bajracharya/Nischal Thapa (Nep) 8-11, 13-11, 9-11, 11-1, 11-4.
Under 19 girls singles (final): Jennifer Varghese (Ind) beat Ananya Muralidharan (Ind) 7-11, 11-9, 11-8, 11-6. Semifinals: Jennifer beat Shamalsha Halawathage (Sri) 11-6, 11-4, 11-5; Ananya beat Fathimath Ali (Mdv) 11-6, 6-11, 11-5, 11-5.
Doubles (final): Prisha Goel/Ditsa Roy (Ind) beat Binaca Rai/Evaana Thapa (Nep) 11-5, 11-9, 13-11.
Under 15 girls singles (final): Ankolika Chakraborty (Ind) beat Aahona Ray (Ind) 12-10, 15-13, 8-11, 11-5. Semifinals: Ankolika beat Chanuki Kariyawasam (Sri) 11-7, 11-8, 11-1; Ahona beat Muthuli Welathanthrige (Sri) 11-8, 11-4, 11-6.
Doubles (final): Sreejani Chakraborty/Tanishka Kalbhairav (Ind) beat Arsana Maharjan/Suramya Shakya (Nep) 14-16, 11-5, 11-5, 11-4.
Under 19 mixed doubles (final): Priyanuj Bhattacharyya/ Jennifer Vaarghese (Ind) beat Mohammed Rafiu/Fathimath Ali (Mdv) 12-10, 11-2,11-5.
Under 15 mixed doubles (final): Aditya Das/Ankolika Chakraborty (Ind) beat Mohammed Rafiu/Aishath Nafiz (Mdv) 11-5, 11-4, 11-9.
