How paddler Jash Modi fought back to win National Games gold

Trailing 0-2 in a Gold medal match against Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, a seasoned professional, is bound to unnerve any player.

But Maharashtra’s Jash Modi wasn't throwing in the towel just yet.

Instead, he scripted a remarkable turnaround and eventually stunned the Tamil Nadu paddler 4-3 to bag gold at the 2025 National Games in men’s singles Table Tennis on Thursday at Uttarakhand. 

“The first two sets didn’t go my way, and I knew something had to change," said the 19-year-old prodigy to The Bridge over the telephone. 

And it is this mindset that has the captured the attention of the country's table tennis connoisseurs. 

A desire to win

Hailing from Mumbai, Jash has rapidly ascended the ranks of Indian table tennis.

His journey in the sport began at the age of 8.

“I used to accompany my dad (Amit Modi) to his Table Tennis practice sessions and that's how I got into the game. In my first tournament ever, I won the bronze medal which gave me the boost to train further,” he recalled. 

Jash’s nascent resume includes a Bronze Medal in the Asian Youth Championship 2024 and a gold and silver at the South Asian Championship 2024. 

In addition to this, over the years, Jash has secured multiple titles at the state, national, and international levels as well.

And so, Jash’s focus before setting foot at the National Games was simple – victory.

“I wanted to win as many medals as I can for my team Maharashtra. For this I was training relentlessly under my coach Sanmay Paranjape in Pune.”

True to his training, Jash showcased his exceptional skills throughout the National Games 2025. He clinched a silver medal in men’s team event and bronze in the mixed doubles event alongside Taneesha Kotecha.

But the big test that awaited him was the men's singles gold medal match.

With plenty of match-practice under his belt, the teenager knew what it took to fight back when pushed against the wall in the final by Sathiyan Gnanasekaran.

Taking control

Down two games, Jash decided to switch gears. 

"I refused to go down without a fight. I played more aggressively, took control with my forehand, and stopped giving away easy points," he said.

Gradually, he clawed his way back into the match. "I fought my way back and gave it my all to succeed.”

The road to the finals, however, was not easy for Jash.

He began his quest for the gold by defeating teammate Chinmaya Somaiya. Then, he had to see off the sixth seed Amalraj Anthony. This was followed by a nail-biting semifinal victory over Delhi’s Payas Jain.

The road to the final and the eventual victory itself has handed him loads of confidence.

“This National Games has given me the confidence to prepare more and push myself to represent India at the Olympics” he stated.

Buoyed by the gold, Jash is now hungry for more.

“I have been pushing my limits, focusing on fitness, and strengthening my game. My next mission is playing for the senior Indian team. Representing India is always a very prestigious moment for me and I wish to make my country proud.”

From playing the sport with his father out of sheer curiosity to now being crowned National Games champion, Jash Modi's commitment to the sport augurs well for Indian Table Tennis.