Priyanuj, Ritvik emerge U-19 and U-17 national champions

DEHRADUN: (Apr 23) Assam’s Priyanuj Bhattacharya staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Tamil Nadu’s P. B. Abhinand in the Under-19 Boys’ Singles final, denying his opponent a third gold at the Junior and Youth National Table Tennis Championships here on Thursday.

In a gripping summit clash that lived up to expectations, Abhinand surged to a commanding 2-0 lead, appearing firmly on course for the title.

However, Bhattacharya responded with grit and composure, turning the match around with four consecutive games. The Assam paddler shut the door on any comeback, sealing a 4-2 victory to finally claim a long-awaited national crown — a fitting reward for his persistence.