Asian Games: Ayhika, Suthirtha script history, ensure India's first-ever medal in women's doubles

Story by  IANS | Posted by  Tripti Nath | Date 30-09-2023
Table tennis players Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee celebrating their victory in the Asian Games in China
Table tennis players Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee celebrating their victory in the Asian Games in China

 

Hangzhou (China)

India's Ayhika Mukherjee and Sutirtha Mukherjee on Saturday ensured the country a historic medal in the women’s doubles Table Tennis competition at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, beating the reigning World Champions from China, Chen Weng, and Yidi Weng 3-1 in a quarterfinal match.

The win over the experienced second-seeded pair from China sent the Indian duo into the semifinals, ensuring them a bronze medal and also the first table tennis medal for India.
 
After dominating the first two games, Anhika and Suthirtha endured a hiccup in the third game before winning the fourth to script an 11-5, 11-5, 5-11, 11-9 triumph.
 
The Chinese pair produced a tough fight but it was the Indian pair that prevailed and closed out the match 11-9 in the fourth game. The Chinese pair had four match points to save and they saved three before making an unforced error, giving the Indian girls a memorable victory.