Picture Credit: X
The Indian men’s and women’s table tennis teams on Monday, March 4 scripted history as they qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics for the first-time ever. The Indian teams featured at the World Team Championships Finals in Busan last month, which served as the last qualifying event for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The event saw seven spots in the team events remaining, which were eventually awarded to the sides based on their respective rankings. After the teams were awarded the points, in the women’s event, India, who is ranked 13 along with Poland (12), Sweden (15) and Thailand secured the Paris Olympics berth.
Meanwhile in the men’s team event, Croatia (12), India (15) and Slovenia (11) sealed the 2024 Paris Olympics spots. This marked a significant milestone in the Indian history of table tennis as it will be the first time that the nation will mark its appearance at the Olympics in TT team events.
Sharath Kamal reacts after India secures 2024 Paris Olympics berth
Indian table tennis veteran Sharath Kamal also took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to acknowledge this historic moment. “Finally!!! India qualifies for the team event at the Olympics! Something I have wanted for a long long time! This one is truly special, despite it being my fifth appearance at the Olympic! Kudos to our Women’s Team who also secure a historical quota!” he wrote on X.
It is to be noted that the Indian teams had missed the Olympics berth at the ITTF World Team Championships Finals. Both the teams made an exit after losing in the pre-quarterfinals. While the Indian men’s team lost 0-3 by South Africa, the Manika Batra-led women’ team lot 1-3 to Chinese Taipei.
