20+ Famous Table Tennis Players in India with Rankings and Career Statistics
Table Tennis is a growing sport in India. While Cricket, Tennis and Badminton catch the largest audience across the nation, Indian paddlers are not far behind. Since the 1980s we have witnessed a few famous table tennis players in India. At present, the number Indian table tennis players is improving by the day. From Kamlesh Mehta, Indu Puri to Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra, the list of legendary Indian paddlers is non-exhaustive.
Today, it is our turn to bring you the best table tennis players in India of all times
Here is a list of Best and Famous Table Tennis Players in India with Rankings and Career Statistics:
| Sr. No. | Names |
| 20. | Pooja Sahasrabudhe |
| 19. | Sanil Shetty |
| 18. | Neha Aggarwal |
| 17. | Kumaresan Shamini |
| 16. | Chetan Baboor |
| 15. | Nandita Saha |
| 14. | Subhajit Saha |
| 13. | Ankita Das |
| 12. | Sutirtha Mukherjee |
| 11. | Anthony Amalraj |
| 10. | Madhurika Patkar |
| 9. | Soumyajit Ghosh |
| 8. | Poulomi Ghatak |
| 7. | Harmeet Desai |
| 6. | Kamlesh Mehta |
| 5. | Indu Puri |
| 4. | Mouma Das |
| 3. | Sathiyan Gnanasekaran |
| 2. | Manika Batra |
| 1. | Sharath Kamal Achanta |
Table of Contents
20. Pooja Sahasrabudhe
Pooja’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 169 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2018 Commonwealth Games |
Starting at the age of 9, Pooja was coached under the guidance of Mrs. Shailaja Gohad. Representing ONGC at the national level, Pooja soon became one of the best table tennis players in India. She was hailed as the National Champion under-17 and under-21 categories. Internationally, She won several medals at the ITTF World Tour, South Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. Her victories led her to rank third in the list of table tennis players in India.
Watch Pooja play her best shots
19. Sanil Shetty
Sanil’s Career Statisticss
| Dominant Hand | Left |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Ranking | 64 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2010 Commonwealth Games |
ITTF once noted, “Sanil, the surprise name,” when the Indian paddler secured a place in Seamaster 2017 ITTF World Tour. Born with a hole in his heart, Sanil’s struggle to rise at the top displays his sportsman spirit. The 75th table tennis national champion is one of the most famous table tennis players in India. Sanil represents Bharat Petroleum at the national level and his achievements are outstanding.
Watch Sanil play his best shots
18. Neha Aggarwal
Neha’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Left |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | – |
| Best Performance | 2008 Summer Olympics |
A well-known table tennis player in India, Neha now holds a Master’s degree in Sports Management. Neha was among the Indian table tennis players in the Olympics of 2008. To enter the mega event, she had to defeat national champs like Poulomi Ghatak and Mouma Das. A persistent mention in the list table of tennis players in India, Neha’s fan base grew after her TED talk.
Watch Neha play her best shots
17. Kumaresan Shamini
Shamini’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | – |
| Best Performance | 2010 Commonwealth Games |
Kumaresan was among the Indian paddlers who led India to silver win in the Commonwealth table tennis championships of 2010. She currently represents TuS Bad Driburg club in the German Bundesliga. Kumaresan has always found a place in the list of best table tennis players in India.
Watch Shamini play her best shots
16. Chetan Baboor
Chetan’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 68 (Year 1999) |
| Best Performance | 2004 World Championships |
The Arjuna Awardee of 1997, Chetan Baboor has represented India on various occasions. Chetan had to pause playing the pro tour in 2001 to pursue an MBA degree. Three years later, in 2004 he played his last big event, the World Championships. He currently works as a presenter for TV channel Ten Sports. His glorious career inspired many in the list of table tennis players in India. No doubt, Chetan remains one of the incredible Indian paddlers of all time.
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Watch Chetan play his shots
15. Nandita Saha
Nandita’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | – |
| Best Performance | 2006 Commonwealth Games |
The list of famous table tennis players in India time and again reiterates the name, Nandita Saha. She is the wife of another table tennis player in India, Subhajit Saha. She gained recognition after her trio defeated Canada to win bronze in the 2006 Commonwealth Games. Today she is considered one of the best table tennis players in India.
14. Subhajit Saha
Subhajit’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 45 (Year 2014) |
| Best Performance | 2010 Commonwealth Games |
One of the best table tennis players in India, Subhajit well known for his paddling attack. Hailing from Siliguri, West Bengal, Subhajit’s legacy has been trailed by many in the region. His stint at the 2010 Commonwealth Games is one of the most epic turn around in history. Constantly appearing in the list of table tennis players in India, Subhajit has earned himself a huge fan base. He is among those Indian paddlers who shall always be remembered.
Watch Subhajit play his best shots
13. Ankita Das
Ankita’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 168 (Year 2019) |
| Best Performance | 2012 Summer Olympics |
The youngest player to appear in the 2012 Olympics, Ankita made a name for herself. Ankita has been playing T.T. since her childhood. Giving up on the Air Force dream, she decided to move ahead in the field of sports. After winning several tournaments across the nation, she got a chance to represent India on the international level. She was the 75th national table tennis champion in 2014. Coached under Arjuna Awardee Mantu Ghosh, Ankita ranks among the best Indian paddlers today.
Watch Ankita play her best shots
12. Sutirtha Mukherjee
Sutirtha’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 95 (Year 2020) |
| Best Performance | 2018 Commonwealth Games |
The 2018 national table tennis champion, Sutirtha is a confident and graceful Indian paddler. After defeating Manika Batra in the finals, she grew famous across the nation. Thereon, she started preparing for the upcoming 2018 Commonwealth Games. Sutirtha’s attacking style of play and dynamic persona makes her a fan favorite. She ended up being a crucial part of the team that won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games.
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Watch Sutirtha play her best shots
11. Anthony Amalraj
Anthony’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 77 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2014 Commonwealth Games |
Arjuna Awardee of 2017, Anthony is considered the best compatriot to Indian paddler Sharath Kamal. Beating Kamal in the national finals of 2012, Anthony began appearing among the famous table tennis players in India. The Kamal-Anthony duo won silver at the 2014 Commonwealth Games. In the next Commonwealth Games of 2018, Anthony played a prime role to clinch gold.
Watch Anthony play his best shots
10. Madhurika Patkar
Madhurika’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 82 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2018 Commonwealth Games |
Beating the serial champ Poulomi Ghatak in the 2016 national level finals, Madhurika transformed into a glorious Indian paddler. Ranking among the best table tennis players in India, Madhurika has numerous achievements under her belt. Moreover, she was a key member of the team that won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games. Clearly, she attains a position in the list of table tennis players in India.
Watch Madhurika play her best shots
9. Soumyajit Ghosh
Soumyajit’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 58 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2018 Commonwealth Games |
Growing out of controversies, Indian paddler Soumyajit is credited with multiple unbreakable records. At the age of 19, he became the youngest national table tennis champion after defeating Sharath Kamal in finals. He also became the youngest player to qualify for the 2012 Olympics. After that, he represented India in various international tournaments like the Lusofonia Games, the 2016 Olympics etc. Currently, Soumyajit ranks among the top table tennis players in India.
Watch Soumyajit play his best shots
8. Poulomi Ghatak
Poulomi’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | – |
| Best Performance | 2010 Commonwealth Games |
Winning three Junior and seven Senior national level championships, Poulomi set herself to lead as an Indian paddler. Winning countless medals in International tournaments, Poulomi inspired the upcoming generation of table tennis players in India. Her early feats in the Commonwealth Games of 2006 and 2010 instilled faith among Indian paddlers. Poulomi Ghatak is a persistent mention in the list of famous table tennis players in India.
Watch Poulomi play her best shots
7. Harmeet Desai
Harmeet’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 60 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2019 Commonwealth TT Championships |
Arjuna Awardee of 2019, Harmeet Desai is a budding Indian paddler. After creating history at the Junior level, Harneet went on to shine bright at the seniors level as well. Prior to winning the national championship this year, he already made a blockbuster feat in 2018. He was part of the team that won gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, then he also clenched bronze at the Asian Games same year. Harmeet Desai now ranks among the famous table tennis players in India.
Watch Harmeet play his best shots
6. Kamlesh Mehta
Kamlesh’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | – |
| Best Performance | 1991 SAF Games |
Captain of the Indian table tennis team from 1982 to 1989, Kamlesh was hailed as the highest ranked player in Asia. During his paddling career, he played 11 national level finals, winning 8 times in total. Probably the greatest table tennis player in India, Kamlesh took the sport to a new level. His achievements outmatch any other Indian Table tennis players till date. At the peak of his career, he won all the four gold medals in the Pentangular International Championships of 1983. Even years later, during the 1991 SAF Games, he managed to win 7 gold and 4 silver medals.
His 20 year career span was recognised by numerous awards. Becoming the first Indian to win the Fair Play award at 1989 Commonwealth Championships, after he had received the Arjuna Award in 1985. In 2017, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports appointed Kamlesh as the national observer for table tennis. Clearly, his outstanding contributions to the sports make him a mandatory mention in the list of table tennis players in India.
Masterclass with Kamlesh Mehta
5. Indu Puri
Indu’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | – |
| Best Performance | 1978 Asian TT Championships |
First Indian to beat a world champion, Indu Puri is probably the greatest female Indian paddler ever. Winning the national championship for a record eight times, Indu established the sport in India. Though she suffered from Asthma during the peak of her career, Indu didn’t give up. Indu represented India seven times at the World Table Tennis Championships and six times at the Commonwealth Championships. She was bestowed with the Arjuna Award in 1979. Later, she was appointed as the chairperson of the committee which selected the 2008 Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna and 2009 Dhyanchand award winners. Consequently she became a legend in the list of table tennis players in India.
Watch Indu at her best
4. Mouma Das
Mouma’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 61 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2018 Commonwealth Games |
The undisputed Indian paddler who leads with spellbinding records, Mouma Das is among the famous table tennis players in India. Winning over 100 medals at national and international level, Mouma has glorified the sport of table tennis. Her unique records include – Most Participation in World Championship by an Indian & Asian TT Player, Most Medals in Commonwealth TT (Games & Championships) by an Indian TT Player, Most Gold medals in South Asian Games by a TT Player and so on. The Manika-Mouma duo is considered one of the most dreadful at a global level. They became the first Indian duo to reach quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championships in 2017. The list of table tennis players in India is incomplete without Mouma Das.
Watch Mouma play her best shots
3. Sathiyan Gnanasekaran
Sathiyan’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 24 (Year 2019) |
| Best Performance | 2017 ITTF Challenge |
Arjuna Awardee of 2018, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran is in a league of his own. He was nowhere to be seen until 2 years back. He currently holds the 30th rank at the global level and his journey so far is inspiring enough to bring a revolution in the game. Sathiyan stands out among the best Indian paddlers as he professionally pursued table tennis at the next level. Appearing and winning in some of the most prestigious ITTF Tours and Challenges, Sathiyan is now a world figure. He was recently signed up by the club – Grünwettersbach for the upcoming German Bundesliga. Sathiyan always appears near the top in the list of table tennis players in India.
Watch Sathiyan play his best shots
2. Manika Batra
Manika’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 46 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2018 Commonwealth Games |
The leading Indian paddler Manika Batra showcases a star-like charisma in the sport of table tennis. Since her silver win in 2011 at the U-21 level, Manika has been unstoppable. Her achievements signify the rise of Indian table tennis in the recent years. Constantly winning medals at the CWGs and Asian Games, Manika set herself for the 2016 Olympics. However, she didn’t succeed in the Olympics. Come the 2018 Commonwealth Games, India witnessed the extraordinary spirit Manika carried. She led the women’s team in a historic victory at the Gold Coast.
She even became the first Indian woman to win gold at the CWG in 2018, after defeating Yu Mengyu of Singapore. Later in the same year, she became the only Indian to receive The Breakthrough Star Award by ITTF. Moreover, she featured in magazines like Femina and Vogue. Manika leads the list of table tennis players in India.
Watch Manika play her shots
1. Sharath Kamal Achanta
Sharath’s Career Statistics
| Dominant Hand | Right |
| Playing Style | Attack |
| Grip | Shakehand |
| ITTF Best Rank | 30 (Year 2018) |
| Best Performance | 2018 Commonwealth Games |
Nine time national level table tennis winner Sharath Kamal Achanta is the most celebrated Indian paddler today. With the turn of this century, Sharath began to take steps up the ladder of paddling fame. Winning gold at Table Tennis Championships and CWG on multiple occasions, Achanta encouraged a generation to follow the sport. In 2010, he became the first Indian to win a singles title on the ITTF Pro Tour. In the first decade, he made stints like the Invitational Tournament held at Pyongyang, North Korea. Gaining recognition in the world sports media, Achanta earned himself a contract with Borussia Düsseldorf in 2013. He currently lives in Germany and plays in the European League. Two years back, at the 2018 CWG, he led the men’s team to clinch gold. All his achievements so far make him eligible to lead in the list of best table tennis players in India.
Watch Sharath play his best shots
Frequently Asked Questions
The best player of table tennis in India is Sathiyan Gnanasekaran. He holds the distinction of being the first Indian to break into the Top-25 ITTF World Rankings. The 27-year old is a star out of the GoSports Foundation and Rahul Dravid Athlete Mentorship Programme. He received the Arjuna Award in 2018 for his extraordinary performance in the field of Table Tennis.
Manika Batra is the best female table tennis player in India. She received India’s highest sporting honor, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award in the year 2020. The 25-year old Table Tennis prodigy tops the Indian list of best female players, while holding the record-high of 47th spot in ITTF World Rankings. She’s well known for playing long pimples on her backhand – a rare shot, not often played by top players.
Sharath Kamal Achanta is the best table tennis player in India of all time. He surpassed veteran Kamlesh Mehta by clinching the National Champion title nine times. He recorded the his best performance in 2019, reaching 30th spot on the ITTF World Rankings. However, the highlight of his career so far has been beating the then world no. 8 Joo Se Hyuk in 2015 at the Asian Cup.
Chinese paddler Fan Zhendong is the No.1 table tennis player as of November 2020. The 23-year old achieved the top spot after holding the 2nd position for 29 months in a row. Fondly known as the Little Fatty, Zhendong possesses the record of being the youngest ITTF World Tour Champion and the youngest World Table Tennis Champion. (Check the current ITTF World Rankings on this link)
At age 31, Chinese paddler Ma Long is considered the best table tennis player of all time. He retained the world No. 1 spot for a period of 64 months. Nicknamed The Dragon, Long prides himself with a world record of winning 5 straight ITTF World Tour tournaments. As he wore the singles gold at the Rio Olympics, he became the fifth player ever to earn a grand slam, i.e. winning World Championships, World Cup and the Olympics. He holds the third spot in the ITTF World Rankings. (Check the current ITTF World Rankings on this link)
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