Paris Olympics 2024 Table Tennis: Indian men’s team bows out 3-0 against China in Round of 16; Sharath Kamal’s journey ends without an Olympic medal
In a disappointing result, the Indian men’s table tennis team was eliminated from the Paris Olympics 2024, losing 3-0 to China in the Round of 16. This defeat also marked the end of veteran paddler Sharath Kamal's quest for an Olympic medal.
The opening match saw the Indian duo Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar face off against China's Ma Long and Wang Chuqin. The Chinese pair dominated the first two games, winning 11-2 and 11-3. Despite a spirited effort from the Indians in the third game, they ultimately lost 11-7, resulting in a 3-0 score in favor of China.
In the second match, seasoned player Sharath Kamal took on Fan Zhendong in a men’s singles clash. Kamal started strong, clinching the first game 11-9, giving India its first game win of the round. However, Fan Zhendong quickly regained control, winning the next three games 11-7, 11-7, and 11-5, securing a 3-1 victory in the match and putting China ahead 2-0 in the overall match score.
The third and decisive match featured Manav Thakkar against Wang Chuqin in another singles encounter. Needing a win to keep India's hopes alive, Thakkar fought valiantly but fell short. Wang Chuqin took the first game 11-9, followed by an 11-6 win in the second. Thakkar continued to challenge his opponent but ultimately lost the third game 11-9, sealing China's 3-0 victory and their spot in the quarterfinals.
Sharath Kamal bows out of the Olympics without a medal
This Olympic cycle was particularly significant for Sharath Kamal, who had announced that Paris 2024 would be his last appearance at the Games.
Having made his fifth Olympic appearance, Kamal, who also had the honor of being India's flag bearer alongside PV Sindhu at the opening ceremony, was eager to secure an elusive Olympic medal.
Unfortunately, after an early exit in the men’s singles event and now the team's loss, Kamal's Olympic journey concludes without a medal.