Manav Thakkar eyes top 10 ranking in global Table Tennis

Manav Thakkar, at just 24 years old, has made a remarkable impact in the world of table tennis. He became the first Indian to achieve the world number one ranking in both the Under-18 and Under-21 categories. At 18 years of age, he represented India at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games. Most recently, he competed for the Indian table tennis team at the 2024 Paris Olympics, facing off against the world's top players on the sport's biggest stage!

“This Olympics was very special for me. It has always been my dream to play for India at the Olympics. I have been training for the past 3 years to make this happen,” Manav said to The Bridge, “I played with the world number one and hopefully, in the upcoming Olympics, I would like to improve my game and try to bring medals for the country.”

However, Manav’s introduction to table tennis began in a rather unusual way. Initially a skating enthusiast, he transitioned to table tennis after watching his parents, both doctors, enjoy the sport at home. By the age of 11, he had secured a national ranking, finishing the season as India's number two player. What started as a casual hobby soon transformed into a serious pursuit. And boy did Manav excel in this sport. He loved it!

“I got the opportunity to play in the Asian Games at the age of 18, where for the first time I met the senior players like Sharath Kamal and Amalraj. I realised it was a completely different game—junior level and senior level.”

Reflecting on his time at the 2018 Asian Games, Manav shared how it changed his vision towards the game. It was historic. The first medal at the Asian Games.

Manav didn’t have to look too far to find his inspiration. “Sharath Kamal, he has been carrying the Indian flag high for table tennis for the past 25 years.” The legacy of players like Sharath continue to inspire generations of players like Manav.

It has been a long season for the young star. Following the Paris 2024 Olympics, Manav Thakkar continued his impressive form in the IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) League. "This season was an unforgettable experience. I won almost all of my matches," said Manav, currently ranked 57th in the world, reflecting on his third time participating in the league.

Highlighting the experience gained from the Olympics, he added, "This season felt different because I could sense that I’ve become a more mature player." Manav also emphasized how UTT has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between seasoned players and emerging talents, providing young athletes with a platform to perform and hone their skills.

Though table tennis remains Manav Thakkar's primary focus, he also enjoys other sports and closely follows cricket. He draws inspiration from former India captain MS Dhoni. "I admire how he maintains such calm composure on the field, no matter what he's thinking," Manav shared. "You can never tell if he's angry or under pressure. He performs exceptionally well, even in the toughest situations."

As Manav aims to break into the top 10 in the world rankings, he offers valuable advice to young players. "In racquet sports, progress often takes longer than you expect. Results won’t come overnight, so work hard and be patient," he advises.

With a promising career ahead, Manav’s journey continues to inspire not only aspiring table tennis players but also young athletes across India. His dedication, discipline, and passion for the sport serve as a testament to what can be achieved through a calm and focused mindset over time. The trick is- to keep going!