Sathiyan Gnanasekaran marked his 10th year in the senior international circuit with yet another milestone — his fifth singles crown. The 32-year-old paddler clinched the WTT Feeder Vientiane title in Laos last Friday, just a month after starting his 2025 season, and is now preparing to carefully chart his path towards the Asian Games next year.
Dominating the Final, Believing in the Quarterfinal
Facing top seed Ryoichi Yoshiyama of Japan in the final, Sathiyan produced a commanding 3-0 (11-4, 11-6, 12-10) victory. But it was the quarterfinal clash with compatriot Akash Pal that gave him the self-belief to go the distance.
I was 2-0 up, cruising, and then he came back strongly. It became 2-2, and the decider was very close. Winning that gave me the confidence to finish strong.
He followed up with a straight-set semifinal triumph over Hong Kong China’s Yiu Kwan To before sealing the title against Yoshiyama.
From Engineering Dreams to Table Tennis History
An engineering graduate who chose sport over academics, Sathiyan recalls the dilemma he faced in 2013.
Quitting the academics and then making the right decision to give it a shot, it really paid off. I never expected to be playing at this level for so long. Some things are destined, and I really worked hard for it.
His breakthrough came in 2016 at the Belgium Open, followed by the Spanish Open in 2017. After a four-year wait, he lifted the Czech Open crown in 2021, before adding Feeder titles in Beirut (2024) and now Vientiane (2025). With five singles titles, Sathiyan has become the first Indian paddler to achieve this feat.
The Goosebumps Never Fade
Despite his experience, the thrill remains the same.
It still gives me goosebumps when I win a tournament for India. The adrenaline rush of crucial points feels the same as when I started my journey. Even after 14-15 years at the pro level, the butterflies are still there.
Eyes on Asian Games 2026
With a historic Asian Games team bronze (2018) and two Commonwealth Games golds (2018, 2022) already to his name, Sathiyan now has his sights set on another Asian Games medal. This time, though, he is planning his calendar differently.
I’m not 21 anymore, but I have the experience and mindset to deliver in big moments. It’s important not to tire myself because now there’s no off-season in the WTT system. That’s why I’ll be mixing Smash, Feeder, and Contender events, playing selectively and focusing on the big ones.
Ranking Revival and a Return to Form
Before Laos, Sathiyan’s ranking had slipped to 99. The title pushed him 28 places up to No. 71, reinforcing his belief that he performs best under pressure.
Belgium will always be special as my first, but I’ll probably put this one in my top three because I came back from a slump. I think I’ve always bounced back when my ranking dipped — Beirut was one such example, and this is another.
A Veteran Still Chasing Big Goals
For Sathiyan, the Asian Games remain the ultimate target, and he is willing to sacrifice rankings for form and fitness. With his trademark resilience, the veteran is proving that his best days may still lie ahead.
