By SportsTreat Desk | November 2025
In a groundbreaking achievement for Indian table tennis, the young mixed doubles pair Diya Chitale and Manish Sureshkumar have created history by becoming the first-ever Indians to qualify for the prestigious WTT Finals, the season-ending event featuring the world’s top-ranked players.
Their qualification marks a defining moment for Indian table tennis — a sport that has seen a steady rise in global recognition but had yet to break through to the elite season finale stage. The duo’s consistent performances throughout the WTT Series 2025, especially their remarkable semifinal finish at the WTT Contender Doha and quarterfinal run at the WTT Star Contender Bangkok, played a crucial role in earning them a spot among the world’s top 8 mixed doubles pairs.
Consistency Meets Chemistry
Diya, known for her fearless forehand and sharp reflexes, and Manish, admired for his composed backhand control and tactical brilliance, have steadily grown as a pair over the past year. Their synergy on court and strategic understanding have helped them pull off upsets against several top-seeded international pairs.
“We always believed we could make it if we stayed focused and worked hard on our combination play,” said Diya after the qualification was confirmed. “Representing India at the WTT Finals is a dream, and we hope this inspires the next generation of players.”
A Boost for Indian Table Tennis
This qualification is not just a personal milestone for Diya and Manish, but also a major boost for Indian table tennis on the global stage. With players like Manika Batra, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, and Harmeet Desai already making waves individually, the mixed doubles success story adds a new dimension to India’s growing table tennis ecosystem.
Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) President expressed immense pride, stating, “This is a proud day for Indian table tennis. Diya and Manish have shown that with the right mindset and teamwork, Indian players can stand shoulder to shoulder with the world’s best.”
Road to the Finals
The WTT Finals will take place in December 2025 in Doha, Qatar, bringing together the season’s top performers across categories. The duo will face stiff competition from the likes of China’s Wang Chuqin–Sun Yingsha and Japan’s Tomokazu Harimoto–Hina Hayata, but their fearless approach has already made them fan favorites.
As India celebrates this historic moment, all eyes will be on Diya and Manish as they carry the nation’s hopes onto one of table tennis’s grandest stages
