Indian Paddler Harmeet Desai Shines in Maiden Olympics

Harmeet Desai impressively advanced to the second round of men's singles table tennis competition during his maiden Olympic appearance. The 31-year-old has previously achieved significant success, including team gold medals in the Commonwealth Games. Desai competes as one of India's two male players in Paris.

Seasoned Indian paddler Harmeet Desai marked his first Olympic appearance with a convincing 4-0 victory over Jordan's Zaid Abo Yaman in the men's singles table tennis competition at the Paris Games on Saturday.

Desai dominated the match with scores of 11-7 11-9 11-5 11-5, advancing to the second round effortlessly.

The 31-year-old, part of the gold-winning teams at the Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022, displayed his experience by overcoming his 538th-ranked opponent in just 30 minutes. Competing alongside veteran Sharath Kamal, Desai underwent rigorous preparatory tournaments and training in Germany before the Olympics.

(With inputs from agencies.)