Ananya Muralidharan is riding the crest of a wave after a productive run on the recent WTT circuit here.
The 16-year-old Chennai girl won the under-17 title at the WTT Youth Contender before finishing runner-up in mixed doubles with Mehan Senthil at the senior Feeder event.
With the National-ranking championship up next from November 14, Ananya will have another chance to showcase her prowess before taking on the bigger challenge of the World Youth Championships in Turkey from November 21.
Ananya’s coach M.B. Subin Kumar of Chennai Achievers said she was at her best during the Chennai tournaments. He added that the decision to pair her with Mehan for the first time paid off, with the duo beating seeded combinations before losing to Manav Thakkar and Taneesha Kotecha in the final.
Coach Subin impressed
“Ananya was very active throughout the tournament and played a level above her usual game,” Subin told The Hindu. He added that her game had improved since breaking into the Indian team last year.
“She is quick at the table and has very quick hands, which help her. Although she still needs to improve her move ment and fitness.”
Ananya, who was part of the Indian team that won bronze at the World Youth Championships last year, will compete in the U-19 category.
“We have a strong team and are confident of winning a medal. We’ll try our best,” said Ananya, who won the under-17 singles title at the National-ranking tournament in Panchkula last month.
However, the team, which also includes her brother P.B. Abhinandh, will head to Turkey without the usual preparatory camp, as the Punjab Nationals leaves little time for a joint training stint.
“All of Ananya’s events will finish on the 18th. The players leave for Turkey from Delhi on the 19th. The Nationals will double up as match practice for Ananya ahead of the big event,” said Subin.
Published – November 06, 2026 07:45 pm IST
