New Delhi
Indian table tennis star Harmeet Desai believes the new mixed team format at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics could give India a major medal opportunity as the country makes steady progress.
The Arjuna Awardee and Olympian said India’s improving strength in men’s and women’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles has created a strong base for the new Olympic format. The mixed team event will feature matches across categories.
Desai pointed to the strength of India’s women’s team, mixed doubles and men’s doubles as reasons for optimism. He said India was improving across every event and could aim to reach the medal round in Los Angeles.
Desai also welcomed the proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games in Gujarat, saying the event could transform the state’s sporting ecosystem. He said major competitions bring greater infrastructure spending, player support, international coaching and exposure.
He highlighted the Naranpura Sports Complex in Ahmedabad, where he recently competed, as an example of India’s growing sports infrastructure. Desai said more such facilities could encourage young people to participate and raise competition levels.
The table tennis player credited the sport’s recent growth to increased professionalism, financial support and corporate involvement. Players now increasingly have personal coaches, sparring partners, physiotherapists, physical trainers and dietitians.
Regular international competition has also helped Indian players improve their world rankings. With athletes competing in Contender, Feeder, Smash and Star Contender events, the pressure to perform consistently has increased. Desai believes these developments can help India build depth and enter Los Angeles with genuine medal ambitions.
Harmeet Desai: “This time there will be a new format in the 2028 Olympics which has never happened before. Mixed team. This time the mixed team format is definitely a good opportunity for the Indian team.”
