Asian Games Table Tennis: Ayhika-Sutirtha beats world champions, confirms historic medal

Table tennis players Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee made history on Saturday as they secured a medal in the women's doubles at the Asian Games in Hangzhou by advancing to the semifinals.

They became the first-ever Indian women's doubles combo to reach the semifinals of the Asiad. The previous best by an Indian women's doubles team was a Pre-Quarterfinal finish.

The dynamic Indian duo of Ayhika and Sutirtha defeated the defending world champions, Meng Chen and Wang Yidi of China.

Emotions ran high among the fans in the quarterfinals as Ayhika and Sutirtha displayed exceptional skills and determination right from the start. They dominated the first game and won it 11-5, leaving the home crowd shell-shocked. Their dominance continued as they repeated the feat in the second game, also winning 11-5.

However, the Chinese champions, Meng Chen and Wang Yidi were not ready to concede easily. They launched a remarkable comeback, claiming the third game with a score of 11-5. The tension in the arena was palpable as the fourth game unfolded.

Ayhika and Sutirtha maintained their composure in the intense fourth game and clinched it 11-9. With this historic victory (11-5, 11-5, 5-11, 11-9), they secured their spot in the semifinals.

They are the only Indian pair alive in table tennis.

All the other Indian athletes participating in table tennis have been knocked out despite putting up close fights.