India’s para table tennis trailblazer Bhavina Patel has marked a strong comeback from injury, signalling her intent for another big year on the international stage. Fresh off reclaiming the World No. 1 spot, the 39-year-old is now firmly focused on the Para Asian Games and the World Para Table Tennis Championships, the two biggest milestones on her 2026 calendar.
Bhavina clinched the women’s singles Class 4–5 gold medal at the 3rd National Para Table Tennis Ranking Tournament at IIT Madras, defeating Kajal Makavana 3-0 in a one-sided final. The victory was particularly significant as it came in her first competitive appearance after a serious knee injury that sidelined her late last year.
The Gujarat paddler had suffered a meniscus tear in her left knee just days before the Asian Championships in October, forcing her to undergo surgery after wrapping up a stellar 2025 season. Following two months of recovery and rehabilitation, Bhavina’s performance in Chennai underlined both her fitness and competitive sharpness.
The past year has been among the most productive of her career. Bhavina amassed 13 medals in 2025, including six gold, and etched her name in history by rising to the top of the ITTF world rankings. While she narrowly missed out on a podium finish at the Paris Paralympics, reaching the quarterfinals proved to be a turning point in her mindset.
“That experience made me set a clear goal for myself- to become World No. 1,” Bhavina said. “I wanted to play more, understand the game better and gain complete control over my shots. Now, I feel I can place the ball exactly where my mind wants it to go.”
Looking ahead, Bhavina has already mapped out an ambitious schedule. The Para Asian Games will be held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from October 18 to 24, followed by the World Para Table Tennis Championships in Pattaya, Thailand, from November 13 to 19. She plans to compete in around 12 tournaments this year, with a focus on singles and mixed doubles, as she aims to protect her top ranking.
Bhavina also highlighted the importance of these events for Indian para athletes, describing the World Championships as comparable in stature to the Paralympics due to the depth of global competition.
Beyond her on-court achievements, the Paralympic silver medallist, Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Asian Games bronze medallist reflected on the growth of para table tennis in India. While praising the organisers of the Chennai tournament and the introduction of incentives such as wheelchairs and cash prizes, she pointed out that accessibility and infrastructure still need further improvement.
With her form returning and motivation higher than ever, Bhavina Patel once again stands at the forefront of Indian para sport, ready to take on the world and add more chapters to an already historic career.
