India’s leading men’s doubles table tennis duo,
Three years ago in Hangzhou, the duo came agonizingly close to a podium finish. In a high-stakes quarterfinal match against South Korea’s Jang Woo-jin and Lim Jong-hoon—who were the World No. 1 pair at the time—Thakkar and Shah held a match point but were unable to convert it, ultimately falling to their opponents in a tense encounter. The memory of that missed opportunity remains a significant motivator for the Indian pair as they look toward their next challenge.
Learning from past heartbreak
Reflecting on the Hangzhou experience, Shah admitted that the sting of the defeat has not entirely faded. He noted that the match remains a frequent topic of conversation between him and Thakkar, serving as a reminder of the fine margins in elite table tennis. Despite the disappointment, the duo acknowledges that they pushed the top-seeded Koreans to their limits throughout the contest.
Thakkar echoed these sentiments, highlighting that while they entered that match with genuine belief in their ability to win, the Koreans managed to edge them out in the critical moments. The pair has since demonstrated significant growth on the international stage, having climbed as high as World No. 2 before settling into their current position at No. 3. This progression has naturally brought increased expectations, though Thakkar remains focused on balancing those pressures with a composed mindset.
Focusing on the process
As they prepare for the upcoming competition, both players are emphasizing the importance of staying grounded. Thakkar expressed a desire to perform at their best and secure a medal for the country, while simultaneously focusing on enjoying the competitive process rather than becoming overwhelmed by the weight of expectations.
Shah shared a similar perspective, prioritizing a match-by-match approach. He emphasized that while results are the ultimate goal, maintaining consistency in their training and enjoying the journey is their primary focus. By keeping their preparation simple and concentrating on the immediate task at hand, the pair hopes to turn their previous experience into a successful campaign at the Asian Games.
