Kolkata: In a first for Indian table tennis, the paddlers created history when its men and women squads confirmed their Paris Games berths together based on their world rankings, according to Table Tennis Federation of India.
Though the women had sealed their spot in the games even before the World Team Championships, which served as the last qualifying event for the Paris Olympics, concluded in Busan last month, and the official confirmation came on Monday.
"The highest-ranked teams not yet qualified in the latest World Team Ranking booked their ticket to Paris 2024,” the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) announced.
As seven spots in the team events remained, the ITTF awarded them to teams based on their rankings. In the women’s event, India, ranked 13, Poland (12), Sweden (15), and Thailand secured their passage to Paris, while Croatia (12), India (15), and Slovenia (11) booked their spots in the men's section.
Finally, we have made it. India has qualified for the team event at the Olympics! I have wanted it for a long time! This one is special, despite this being my fifth appearance at the Olympics. Kudos to our women, too, said Sharath Kamal, speaking to TTFI Media.
President Meghna Ahlawat heaped praise on the paddlers for this rare achievement. “I am immensely happy for the teams. Their perseverance has paid off. I congratulate both the men and women squads and wish them well for the Paris Olympics,” she said.
Echoing her views, Secretary General Kamlesh Mehta said that it was a significant moment for Indian table tennis. “I am happy they have done it at last. They have shown considerable maturity and worked overtime to achieve what they deserved. My heartfelt congratulations,” he said.
Incidentally, it marks a momentous milestone for Indian table tennis, as it will be the first occasion our paddlers will be competing in the team event of the Games since its inclusion at the Beijing 2008 Games.
Both the Indian teams had missed Olympic berths at the ITTF World Team Championships after exiting the pre-quarterfinal stages. The men, led by Sharath, bowed out 0-3 to South Korea, and the women's team lost 1-3 to Chinese Taipei despite individual brilliance.