At just 19, Yashaswini Ghorpade has quickly risen to become one of India’s top women paddlers. Her remarkable achievements on the junior circuit and debut in the senior ranks have established her as a strong contender in the table tennis scene. As part of the Goa Challengers in her debut season of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), Ghorpade impressed many with her outstanding performance.
During her junior years, Ghorpade achieved an impressive ranking of World No. 5 in the U-19 singles category and clinched the World No. 1 spot in U-19 doubles alongside her partner Suhana Saini. One of her crowning achievements in the junior circuit came when she was part of the Indian team that secured the bronze medal at the World Youth Championships in Slovenia.
In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Yashaswini Ghorpade spoke candidly about her future aspirations, her journey in the sport, and the comparisons to Indian table tennis star Manika Batra.
As a young athlete transitioning from the junior to the senior circuit, Ghorpade is clear about her goals. Her focus is on improving her domestic rankings and maintaining her position on the international circuit.
"So, right now my domestic ranking nationally, I am not placed well. So, my main goal is to have a good ranking here in India, especially, and maintain my international ranking top seventy five to top hundred. So, that's the goal for now,” she explained.
Ghorpade also recalls her introduction to table tennis as far from what one might expect of a future star. She candidly reflected on her early days.
“I started as a kid, so not so healthy, very lean, and I used to get sick often, and I used to watch a lot of TV. I am still lazy. I wouldn't say I was lazy; I am still lazy. So, that's how I started TT. My parents joined me. The TT classes used to be under my same school. So, I started like that,” she added.
“I look up to her” – Yashaswini Ghorpade on Manika Batra
Inevitably, Ghorpade’s playing style and use of similar equipment have led to comparisons with India’s table tennis icon, Manika Batra. Ghorpade, however, handles these comparisons with grace and humility, acknowledging Batra's influence while aiming to carve out her own identity.
"Manika Di, having the similar rubber, but of course I look up to her and those decisions where she takes in crucial moments; I am just learning a lot still," she said.
When asked whether she intends to emulate more of Batra’s style, Ghorpade admitted she’s still perfecting her approach.
“No, I do twiddle, but not as good as her for sure. I am pretty not so confident yet with twiddling, but I hope I will be better in that,” she added.
After a remarkable UTT campaign where Yashaswini Ghorpade helped her team, the Goa Challengers, retain their title at UTT, the World No. 86 has her eyes set on several domestic and international tournaments in the coming months.