Asian Games 2026: India Women's Team Beat Thailand in a Thriller, Reach Asiad Table Tennis Quarter-finals

India's women's table tennis team produced a dramatic fightback to defeat Thailand 3-2 in the Round of 16 and book their place in the quarter-finals of the Asian Games 2026 in Aichi-Nagoya on Tuesday.

Thailand made a strong start as Orawan Paranang recovered from two games down to beat Sreeja Akula 7-11, 1-11, 11-9, 11-6, 12-10, giving the hosts a 1-0 lead.

India responded through Yashaswini Ghorpade, who edged past Suthasini Sawettabut 11-8, 5-11, 7-11, 11-9, 11-9 in another closely fought contest.

Thailand regained the advantage when Jinnapan Sawettabut defeated Diya Chitale 11-7, 5-11, 7-11, 11-7, 13-11. With India trailing 1-2, the pressure was firmly on the Indian paddlers.

Yashaswini once again delivered when it mattered, producing a composed performance against Paranang to win 11-5, 11-8, 11-9 and level the tie at 2-2.

That left Sreeja with the decisive fifth match. The Indian paddler held her nerve against Suthasini, winning 9-11, 11-6, 12-10, 11-8 to complete India's 3-2 victory.

The result continued India's impressive campaign in the women's team event. After opening with a 3-0 win over Indonesia and a 3-2 comeback victory against Singapore, India had also beaten Pakistan 3-0 to progress from Group F.

India will now face North Korea in the quarter-finals as they continue their bid for a strong finish in Aichi-Nagoya. The girls have had their share of nervy moments in this campaign so far, but they are now further closer to a podium finish in the continental competition.