In a display of talent, sisters Akanksha and Ayushi Singhal (Tower 16) made history at the UTT 86th Interstate Sub Junior and Cadet National Table Tennis Championships, held in Indore, from 29 January to 2 February.
In a rare feat, the Singhal sisters secured two national medals in the same tournament, showcasing their excellence and making a significant mark in Indian table tennis (TT).
Akanksha Singhal earned a National Bronze Medal in the Under-13 Girls’ Singles category. Her journey was nothing short of extraordinary, as she triumphed over former India Rank-1 player Saturya from Bengal in a Round of 32 match.
Despite trailing 9-4 in the fifth set, Akanksha’s determination saw her win seven consecutive points under immense pressure to secure her place in the semi-finals. Her performance continued in the quarterfinals, where she defeated Debanshi Chakraborty and fought valiantly in the semi-finals against the national champion.
Meanwhile, Ayushi Singhal won a National Bronze Medal in the Under-15 Girls’ Team Event, where she was part of the 4-member Delhi team, alongside Dhani, Tushti, and Vinaya. The Delhi team topped a competitive group stage that included teams from Telangana, Rajasthan, and Sikkim.
Their run continued with victories over Petroleum Sports Promotion Board and Karnataka in the pre-quarters and quarterfinals, respectively, before securing the bronze medal.
In a state where winning a single national medal is an achievement, the Singhal sisters have set a new benchmark by securing two national medals in the same prestigious tournament. This accomplishment speaks volumes about their focus and relentless hard work.
Akanksha’s performance is significant as, with this result, she will be the only player from North India to be ranked among the top 8 in the country in the Under-13 Girls category as the 2024 TT calendar ends.
This is an achievement, underlining Akanksha’s status as one of the top players in the nation in her category.
Both Akanksha and Ayushi train at the Indian Table Tennis Academy at the Noida Indoor Stadium. Under coach Tapas Sarkar’s expert guidance, and the dedicated support of the physio team led by Dr. Gaurav Sharma (International Physio) and his team, the sisters train six-seven hours every day, honing their physical abilities to compete at the highest level.
Ayushi’s success with the Delhi team and Akanksha’s journey in the individual category showcase their growing dominance in the sport. Their hard work and determination have set them on a path toward a brighter future in TT.
This feat by the Singhal sisters is a true inspiration to aspiring TT players across the country, demonstrating the power of commitment and world-class training.
God bless Akanksha & Ayushi!
