India’s Men’s and Women’s Teams Top Groups to Storm Into Knockout Stage at ITTF World Team Championships

India’s men’s and women’s teams continued their impressive run at the ITTF World Team Championships 2026 in London, both finishing as group toppers after commanding 3-0 victories in their final group-stage encounters on Thursday.

The Indian men blanked Guatemala 3-0 in Group 7, while the women produced an equally dominant performance against Rwanda in Group 6. The results ensured that both teams advanced to Stage 2 of the tournament the knockout round beginning from the Round of 32. It marked a significant statement from Indian table tennis on the global stage, with both teams not only qualifying comfortably but also showing composure, depth, and consistency throughout the group phase.

The Indian men entered the final group clash knowing a win would secure top spot in Group 7 after earlier victories over Tunisia and Slovakia. Despite facing some tense moments during the narrow 3-2 win over Slovakia, India looked completely in control against Guatemala and wrapped up the tie without dropping a single game. World No. 42 G. Sathiyan set the tone for the team with a composed straight-games victory over Sergio Carrillo. The experienced Indian paddler controlled the rallies from the beginning, using his sharp placement and variations in pace to dominate the contest.

Sathiyan’s ability to dictate points early allowed India to settle quickly into the tie.

Manav Thakkar then extended India’s lead with another clinical performance. The World No. 39 defeated Ian Alvarez in straight games, once again showcasing the consistency that has made him one of India’s most reliable performers in the tournament. Manav’s aggressive receiving game and quick transitions proved too strong for the Guatemalan player, who struggled to counter the Indian’s tempo throughout the match. With India leading 2-0, young Payas Jain stepped up for the third rubber and delivered a confident performance against Ricardo Montenegro.

The youngster displayed excellent composure under pressure, completing a 3-0 win to seal the tie and confirm India’s position as group winners. The victory capped a highly encouraging group-stage campaign for the men’s team, who now head into the knockout rounds with growing confidence.

Women continue dominant run

India’s women’s team also maintained their strong momentum with a comfortable 3-0 win over Rwanda to finish on top of Group 6. After their dramatic 3-2 triumph over Ukraine earlier in the competition, the Indian women approached the Rwanda tie with confidence and delivered a thoroughly professional performance. Manika Batra once again led from the front.

The World No. 48 comfortably defeated Chantal Mukeshimana in straight games, using her trademark control, deceptive angles, and clever variation to dominate the opening rubber. Manika’s experience proved crucial throughout the group stage, especially during the tense victory over Ukraine, and she once again provided the ideal start for India. Diya Chitale then continued her excellent form in the tournament with another commanding win.

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The youngster defeated Elevine Uwase without dropping a game, producing a mature performance built around quick counter-attacks and aggressive third-ball play. Diya has emerged as one of India’s standout performers during the competition, consistently handling pressure situations with remarkable calmness.

The final rubber saw Syndrela Das complete the clean sweep for India.

Facing Mbabazi, the young Indian delivered a composed 3-0 victory to confirm India’s perfect finish to the group stage. Syndrela’s victory also highlighted the growing depth in the Indian women’s setup, with younger players stepping up confidently on the world stage.

Both teams progressing as group toppers represents another positive sign for Indian table tennis, especially given the transitional phase both squads are navigating. The men’s team entered the championships without veteran Achanta Sharath Kamal for the first time in several years, while the women have increasingly relied on a younger core around Manika Batra. Yet across the group stage, India showed strong balance between experience and emerging talent.

Manav Thakkar and Sathiyan delivered stability in the men’s competition, while Payas Jain showcased his growing maturity. On the women’s side, Diya Chitale and Syndrela Das demonstrated why Indian table tennis continues to produce exciting young prospects capable of competing at the highest level. The ability of both teams to top their respective groups also carries significant importance in the knockout draw, potentially offering a more favourable Round of 32 matchup.

Knockout challenge begins

Stage 2 of the ITTF World Team Championships now moves into the knockout rounds, where margins become significantly smaller and every rubber gains enormous importance.

For India, the objective will now shift from consistency to handling pressure in elimination ties against stronger opposition. The men’s team showed resilience earlier in the tournament during the tense victory over Slovakia, while the women demonstrated strong mental toughness during their dramatic win against Ukraine. Those experiences could prove valuable as the competition intensifies.

With both squads carrying momentum into the Round of 32, India now has an opportunity to push for deeper runs at the World Team Championships and further establish itself among the strongest table tennis nations globally. For now, however, topping both groups represents an encouraging and well-earned achievement for Indian table tennis on one of the sport’s biggest stages.