Table Tennis getting younger?

Are pre-teens and teens taking over the world of Table Tennis?

At the world level, you have Fan Zhendong, who started winning elite events before the age of 17. There is a new crop in China. Yu Zhiyang, Liang Jingkun, have already beaten the very best. They just need to show consistency now. Yu has won the Asian and World Juniors in addition to a World Tour (formerly Pro tour) event.

In Regional events, you see several youngsters beating seasoned players. In India, we have several players in their teens and very early twenties. So what does this all mean?

Table Tennis has become an extremely physical sports, where fitness is of prime importance. Coaches at the elite level now focus on using the whole body instead of just parts of the body. Is it time to change the rules? Definitely time to think!

Amalraj and Soumyajit Stars of India Table Tennis at the Asian Championships

Anthony Amalraj was the star of the Indian team at the Asian Table Tennis Championships including in the Quarter final. Facing Chinese Taipei and with the prospects of an unprecedented medal, Amalraj won two rubbers against higher ranked opponents, but his team mates could not finish off their rivals.

Earlier, Amalraj shone against the Iranians too and young Soumyajit Ghosh won the decider against a very experienced opponent.

The Women too did well to reach the Champions group and the Quarterfinals, where they lost to the formidable Chinese team.