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 (6-11, 14-12, 11-6, 9-11, 12-10, 11-13, 12-10) win against Manav Thakkar in the final,
This was an intense final that stretched to the deciding game where Manav saved two game points to force a deuce. But, he failed to continue this and Sathiyan clinched the game, 12-10.
These extended games highlighted their relentless determination and kept the crowd, divided in support, captivated throughout.
With this win, Sathiyan Gnanasekran of PSPB walked away with Rs. 1.12 lakh while his fellow teammate from PSPB, Manav earned Rs. 46,000 for his silver medal.
In the semi-final, Sathiyan took a six-game victory against 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 the other semifinal, Manav triumphed over teammate Sourav Saha 4-2. Despite trailing 1-2, Manav made it 2-2 and closed the match with two narrow scores in the following games.
Swastika Upset Sreeja to clinch singles title
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 defense 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.
In the semi-final, Sreeja overcame a first-game challenge to win the match in straight games against Diya Chitale of RBI, advancing to the final. In contrast, the second semifinal saw intense drama as Swastika and Krittwika battled fiercely.
Leading 2-0 in the match, Swastika allowed her rival to equalize. However, She regained control, wrapping up the match by winning the next two games comfortably.
Swastika misses the double-gold
Swastika Ghosh of Airport Authority of India (AAI) partnering with Oishiki Joardar in the women’s doubles final outplayed by Tanesha Kotecha and Jennifer Varghese of Maharashtra and settled with the silver medal.
On the other hand, Akash Pal and Ronit Bhanja of Railways triumphed over Sanil Shetty and Soumyajit Ghosh of PSPB in a thrilling contest (3-2: 1-4, 11-8, 8-11, 5-11, 12-10) to clinch the men’s doubles title.
At 9-all in the decider, it was anyone’s game but Akash Pal sealed the win for the pair with a stunning shot to Sanil’s right, saving a match point and clinching the title.
In mixed doubles, Manush Shah partnered with Diya Chitale registered a 3-1 (8-11, 11-2, 11-8, 12-10) 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.
Earlier, the Railway Sports Promotion Board (RSPB) clinched the men’s team title whereas the women’s team titles went to the favor of Petroleum Sports Promotion Board (PSPB).
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