Chandigarh: The 51st Institutional Table Tennis Championships at Panjab University’s Gymnasium Hall concluded with Swastika Ghosh crowned the new women’s singles champion and G. Sathiyan claiming his fourth men’s singles title.
Sathiyan, who previously won in 2014, 2016, and 2017, fought hard for this victory, clinching a thrilling 4-3 win. The final was a showcase of skill, with intense rallies, powerful attacking shots, and precise placements.
Despite some delays from Sathiyan’s usual tactics, the match was an exhilarating display, with both players missing and saving multiple game and match points. Three extended games highlighted their relentless determination. The crowd, divided in support, was captivated throughout. Sathiyan walked away with Rs. 1.12 lakh, while Manav earned Rs. 46,000 for his efforts.
Swastika was in her element today, displaying a carefree approach in the final against Sreeja, the hosts’ best hope to disrupt the AAI women’s title ambitions and maximum ranking points. Although Swastika started poorly, she boldly countered Sreeja’s unconventional style and the use of pimpled rubber with crisp forehands, leading 2-1. However, she faltered in the fourth game, letting an 8-3 lead slip, including a game point, as Sreeja mounted a comeback to win 12-10.
In the next game, Sreeja held a slight advantage but it kept changing hands. The RBI woman couldn’t break Swastika’s defence and strong forehands, allowing her a one-handed grip on the trophy, and giving momentum. With renewed confidence, she dominated the final game to clinch her maiden major title, the Rs. 1.12 lakh prize, and 120 crucial points. Sreeja earned half the prize money for her efforts.
After exhausting his allotted timeout in the semifinal, Sathiyan took the medical route, claiming shoulder cramps, to gain extra time outside the arena—all within rules—and a bathroom break. This allowed him to regroup and stay competitive, enabling Sathiyan to claw his way back in the fifth and sixth games, ultimately beating RBI’s Manush Shah 4-2. Despite Manush’s strong rhythm, Sathiyan’s strategic play won out. Sathiyan’s 4-2 victory secured his spot in the final. In sports, as in life, the ends justify the means. Manav triumphed over teammate Sourav Saha 4-2 in the other semifinal. Despite trailing 1-2, Manav made it 2-2 and closed the match with two narrow wins.
Sreeja was the sole host player still in contention for the top honours. She quickly overcame a first-game challenge to win in straight games, advancing to the final. In contrast, the second semifinal saw intense drama as Swastika and Krittwika battled fiercely. Leading 2-0, Swastika allowed her rival from PSPB to equalize. However, Swastika regained control, wrapping up the match by winning the next two games comfortably.
In the men’s doubles final, Akash Pal and Ronit Bhanja of Railways triumphed over Sanil Shetty and Soumyajit Ghosh of PSPB 3-2 in a thrilling contest for the gold. At 9-all in the decider, it was anyone's game. The PSPB duo had a match point, but Akash Pal sealed the win with a stunning shot to Sanil’s right on the second. PSPB men will regret their missed opportunity after leading comfortably (2-0), only for Railways to fight back and take the last three games.
In the women’s doubles, Tanesha Kotecha and Jennifer Varghese from Maharashtra outplayed Oishiki Joardar and Swastika Ghosh in straight games.
In mixed doubles, Manush Shah partnered Diya Chitale to a 3-1 victory over Yashaswini Ghorpade and Harmeet Desai of PSPB. Despite an early lead, the PSPB pair faltered, with only the fourth game offering any real challenge.
RBI Deputy Governor, T. Rabi Sankar, who graced the occasion, gave away the prizes to the medal winners.
Results:
Men’s Singles: Final: G. Sathiyan (PSPB) bt Manav Thakkar (PSPB) 4-3 (6-11, 14-12, 11-6, 9-11, 12-10, 11-13, 12-10).
Semifinals: Manav bt Sourav Saha (PSPB) 4-2 (11-9, 4-11, 8-11, 11-6, 11-9, 11-9); Sathiyan bt Manush Shah (RBI) 4-2 (8-11, 11-9, 11-8, 9-11, 11-8, 11-9).
Women’s Singles: Final: Swastika Ghosh (AAI) bt Sreeja Akula 4-2 (8-11, 11-8, 11-6, 10-12, 11-9, 11-4).
Semifinals: Sreeja bt Diya Chitale (RBI) 4-0 (12-10, 11-8, 11-3, 11-9); Swastika bt Krittwika Sinha Roy (PSPB) 4-2 (11-4, 11-7, 9-11, 9-11, 11-9, 11-4).
Men’s Doubles: Final: Akash Pal/Ronit Bhanja (RSPB) bt Soumyajit Ghosh/Sanil Shetty (PSPB) 11-4, 11-8, 8-11, 5-11, 12-10.
Women’s Doubles: Final: Jennifer Varghese/Taneesha Kotecha (Mah) bt Swastika Ghosh/Oishiki Joardar (AAI) 11-8, 11-1, 11-7.
Mixed Doubles: Final: Diya Chitale/Manush Shah (RBI) bt Yashaswini Ghorpade/Harmeet Desai (PSPB) 8-11, 11-2, 11-8, 12-10.
