The World Table Tennis Contender Chennai Championship kicked off with an exciting ceremony as Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin unveiled the tournament trophy, signaling the start of an action-packed event featuring top paddlers from around the globe vying for victory.

At the event, table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal celebrated his illustrious career alongside reigning women’s champion Diya, showcasing the exceptional skills of Indian players who have made their mark on the international stage; our athletes are now recognized as world-class competitors.

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Sharath Kamal, a ten-time national champion and an influential figure in Indian table tennis, is participating in his final tournament before retirement. It is poetic that his journey began in Chennai and culminates in his hometown, at an event showcasing elite athletes, reflecting his remarkable demeanor and dedicated performance throughout his extensive career.

In a vibrant and rapid opening ceremony that kicked off a week of high-caliber table tennis, the TN Deputy Chief Minister shared encouragement to the players through his quiet presence and warm smile before departing to let the matches commence. The venue, Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, was aglow with celebratory fireworks, bidding a fitting farewell to a domestic star.

This global event is supported by a dedicated team of officials who are implementing practical sports policies bolstering the state’s sports culture and achievements. Tamil Nadu has recently emerged as a significant hub for table tennis in India, cultivating a wealth of talented players. Key figures in this success include Atulya Misra, the Additional Chief Secretary and head of Youth Welfare and Sports Development, and J. Meghanatha Reddy, Member Secretary of the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu, both present at the inaugural ceremony.

The tournament has drawn 158 players from around the world, including Olympic medalists and some of the sport’s most celebrated names.

Leading the charge internationally are Japanese stars Tomokazu Harimoto (#3, MS) and Hina Hayata (#5, WS), both Olympic medalists and top seeds in their respective singles events. They will be accompanied by a formidable group of medalists including Miwa Harimoto (#6, WS), Shin Yu-bin (#10, WS), Cheng I-Ching (#11, WS), Doo Hoi Kem (#36, WS), Lee Eun-hye (#39, WS), and Lim Jong-hoon (#43, MS).

In a historic first, an Indian men’s doubles team is seeded first in a WTT Star Contender event. Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar, fresh from a semifinal performance at WTT Star Contender Doha 2025, will aim to leverage their home advantage. Meanwhile, in mixed doubles, Diya Chitale and Manush Shah, seeded fourth, are eager to make a significant impact.

A record-setting 19 Indian athletes have received direct entries and wildcards into the main draw, marking the highest representation for the country at this level. Overall, 82 Indian players (35 men and 47 women) are set to compete across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, establishing a new benchmark in India’s international table tennis participation.

The opening day featured qualifying rounds.