South Asian Games 2019 Medal Tally: India claims gold medals in men's and women's table tennis team events

The second day at the 13th South Asian Games 2019 in Kathmandu, Nepal proved to be a glorious one for India as the contingent claimed gold medals in the table tennis team events and retains the second position on the Medal Tally. Both the men's and the women's teams successfully defended the gold medals they won at Guwahati, India, three years ago to begin India's table tennis campaign on a thunderous note.

While the men trounced hosts Nepal 3-0, the women blanked Sri Lanka by the same scoreline.

33-year-old Anthony Amalraj, who has medals from the Commonwealth as well as the Asian Games, brought his vast experience into play to overcome the stiff challenge posed by Nepal's Santoo Shrestha. Amalraj lost a game but was quick to rebound for a 12-10, 14-16, 11-5, 11-8 victory.

Soumyajit Ghosh announced his comeback in style by contributing to the team's cause. He staved off a late surge from Shiva Sunder Gothe to complete an 11-3, 11-2, 12-10 win while the last victory was secured by veteran Harmeet Desai, who effortlessly beat Purushottam Borjacahrya 11-4, 11-4, 11-8.

Their women counterparts took the lead through Sutirtha Mukherjee, who was a part of the gold medal-winning women's team at the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games last year.

Mukherjee was at the top of her game and hardly broke a sweat in getting past Sri Lanka's Ishara Madhurangi 11-9, 11-7, 11-3. Krittiwika Sinha Roy was equally impressive in her 11-6, 11-4, 11-2 win over Erandi Waruswithana. Sreeja Akuka then did justice to her selection with a quickfire 11-5, 11-5, 11-3 triumph over Hansini Piumila to deliver the gold for her team.

While the paddlers contributed two gold medals to India's medal tally on a highly successful Day 2, the shooters did a fantastic job as well by picking up four golds. In athletics too, India grabbed the same number of gold medals, with three more coming from the volleyball men's and women's teams and in taekwondo.