In a landmark moment for Indian table tennis, the men's doubles pair of Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah have climbed to a new career-high world ranking of No. 4 in the latest ITTF Men's Doubles rankings released on May 25, 2026.
The surge comes on the heels of their dominant victory at the WTT Contender Lagos 2026, where they claimed their first-ever WTT Contender men's doubles title without losing a single game throughout the tournament.
The top-seeded Indian duo delivered a clinical performance in the final on Sunday, defeating Romania's Iulian Chirita and Andrei Istrate 3-0 (11-7, 12-10, 11-4). Their flawless run - four straight-game wins across the event, not only secured the gold but also earned them crucial ranking points, propelling them into
the global top four for the first time.
This ranking milestone marks a significant leap for the pair, who had earlier reached a then-highest Indian position of No. 5 in men's doubles. The jump to No. 4 with 3,260 points underscores their growing consistency and synergy on the international stage, positioning them as one of Asia's strongest doubles combinations heading into major events.
The timing couldn't be better. With the 2026 Asian Games on the horizon, the No. 4 ranking significantly boosts their chances of securing top-four seeding, giving India a stronger shot at medals in the doubles events and elevating the nation's profile in the sport.
Manav Thakkar and Manush Shah, both products of India's robust junior development system, have steadily built their partnership through rigorous training and key performances in WTT events. Their success in Lagos adds to a memorable campaign for Indian paddlers, with Manush Shah also claiming the mixed doubles title alongside Diya Chitale.
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