Bangladesh U-19 paddle to gold glory in South Asian TT

Bangladesh’s Under-19 boys team powered to gold at the South Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship on Thursday, clinching group honours and sealing qualification for the upcoming Asian meet.

The triumphant campaign ensures Bangladesh a place in the ITTF-ATTU Asian Youth Championship, scheduled for 21 to 27 June in Muscat, Oman.

The young paddlers delivered a commanding performance in Shimla, India, outplaying Sri Lanka 3-1 in a decisive group clash to seal the title.

Although Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal all finished level on five points, the boys in red and green surged ahead on set difference to top the standings.

Bangladesh stumbled early as Bangladesh Krira Shikkha Protishthan’s Abul Hashem Hasib slipped to a 2-3 defeat against Viyandua Akain.

But the side roared back in style. Nafiz Iqbal hammered Danuka Lamasuriya 3-0 before Joy Islam cruised past Munasinghe Harin by the same margin.

Captain Nasif Iqbal then sealed the gold in emphatic fashion, vanquishing Akain 3-1 in the final match.

The victory marks a return to the top for Bangladesh, who last won U-19 gold in 2022. They had settled for silver in 2023 and 2024, and bronze in 2025.

Bangladesh Table Tennis Federation general secretary Captain AM Maksud Ahmed Sonet hailed the feat in the BTTF press release, crediting players, coaches and organisers for the success.

He noted that the team adapted swiftly to challenging conditions, competing at over 7,000 feet altitude in cold weather.

Meanwhile, other age-group teams endured mixed fortunes, with several matches still to be completed.