India’s women’s table tennis team produced a stirring comeback to defeat Singapore 3-2 in their opening Group F match at the Asian Games 2026 here on Sunday.
India found themselves 1-2 down and facing the prospect of an early defeat before Sreeja Akula and Yashaswini Ghorpade turned the tie around with crucial victories in the fourth and fifth matches.
Yashaswini gave India an early advantage, defeating Jian Zeng 3-1, 11-7, 11-3, 8-11, 11-9. Singapore responded in the second match as Loy Ming edged past Sreeja 3-2 in a five-game battle, winning 8-11, 11-4, 9-11, 11-4, 6-11.
Diya Chitale was then beaten 3-1 by Tan Zhao, who won 7-11, 11-4, 11-7, 11-5, putting Singapore ahead 2-1 and leaving India with little room for error.
Sreeja then delivered when India needed it most, overcoming Zeng Jian 3-1. After dropping the opening game 6-11, she fought back to win the next three 11-3, 11-7, 11-4 and levelled the tie at 2-2.
Yashaswini completed the turnaround in the deciding match against Loy Ming. The Indian held her nerve in a tense five-game contest, winning 5-11, 11-8, 12-10, 4-11, 11-9 to seal a 3-2 victory for India.
India have won three bronze medals in table tennis at the Asian Games so far. The women’s team will now look to build on the comeback win as they continue their campaign in Aichi-Nagoya.
