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Bengal Table Tennis Players Set Asian Games 2026 Target
Sutirtha Mukherjee and Syndrela Das are table tennis players from Bengal.
They have been selected for India’s Asian Games team in 2026.
The Games will happen in Japan from September 19 to October 4.
Syndrela is 17 and will play in her first Asian Games.
Sutirtha is 30 and will compete in her third Games.
Syndrela will play team and doubles matches, while Sutirtha will play in the team event.
Both players practice at the same academy in New Town.
Syndrela wants to win a silver or gold medal in doubles.
Sutirtha said a recent federation suspension has not harmed their preparations.
Syndrela Das, 17, will make her Asian Games debut in the team and doubles events.
Sutirtha Mukherjee, 30, is set to compete at her third Asian Games in the team event.
Both players train at the Dhanuka Dhunseri Soumyadeep Poulomi Table Tennis Academy in New Town.
Syndrela recently won the Under-19 and women’s singles titles at the National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Kanpur.
Despite the suspension of the Table Tennis Federation of India, Sutirtha said the players’ preparations had not been affected.
- Who
- Indian table tennis players Sutirtha Mukherjee and Syndrela Das, along with other Asian Games squad members.
- What
- They are preparing to compete for India at the 2026 Asian Games.
- Where
- The Asian Games will take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, while the players train at an academy in New Town.
- When
- The Asian Games will be held from September 19 to October 4, 2026; Syndrela recently won two titles at championships held August 16–23.
- Why
- They aim to perform strongly for India, with Syndrela targeting a silver or gold medal in doubles.
Athlete assessment
Ministry rationale
Impact of the federation suspension
Athlete assessment
Sutirtha Mukherjee said the suspension was beyond her control but had not affected the players’ preparations because they had competed in enough international tournaments.
Ministry rationale
The sports ministry suspended the Table Tennis Federation of India, citing governance deficiencies, financial transparency issues and flawed athlete selection.
Key facts
- Asian Games venue
- Aichi-Nagoya, Japan
- Asian Games dates
- September 19 to October 4, 2026
- Syndrela Das
- 17 years old; ranked 98th; competing in team and doubles
- Sutirtha Mukherjee
- 30 years old; ranked 126th; competing in the team event
- Recent achievement
- Syndrela won the Under-19 and women’s singles titles in Kanpur
- Previous Asian Games result
- Sutirtha won a doubles bronze medal with Ayhika Mukherjee in Hangzhou
- Training academy
- Dhanuka Dhunseri Soumyadeep Poulomi Table Tennis Academy, New Town
- Federation status
- The Table Tennis Federation of India was suspended over cited governance, financial transparency and selection issues
Quotes
Sutirtha Mukherjee
Thirty-year-old Bengal table-tennis player and three-time Asian Games participant
“No, there is no pressure. I have many things to learn, and I have nothing to lose. I will give my best shot and will try to help my team by giving 100 per cent. I am confirmed for doubles (with Srija Akula). Last time it was a bronze. This time we will try to win a silver or gold. I am aiming big.”
telegraphindia.com
“It’s amazing, isn’t it? In 2018 I was watching the likes of Manika Batra and G. Sathyan playing the UTT, and now I am part of the Asian Games squad.”
telegraphindia.com
Sources
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