Metro India News | Hyderabad

Hyderabad-based Table Tennis player S Fidel R Snehit has made history by breaking into the top 100 in the world rankings - a first for any paddler from the Telugu-speaking states. Now, Snehit is world no. 89.

His remarkable performance at the WTT Star Contender Tournament in Chennai in late March propelled him 34 places up the rankings, securing his spot among the world's best. Snehit stunned World No 29 Yukiya Uda of Japan in the Round of 32 and went on to defeat Indian legend Sharath Kamal in the round of 16 before bowing out in the quarterfinals. Teaming up with Sharath Kamal, he also made it to the men’s doubles semifinals.

‘I am absolutely thrilled with my latest world ranking,’ Snehit said. ‘Breaking into the top 100 was my prime goal for the year, and achieving it feels great. Now, I am fully focused on making it to the top 50,’ he said.

Winner of more than dozen international medals, Snehit missed a Paris Olympics berth owing to an injury. Snehit expressed gratitude to his coach Somnath Ghosh and fitness trainer Hirak Bagchi for their dedicated efforts and unwavering support. He also extended his thanks to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) leadership, acknowledging their encouragement in balancing his career as an auditor and a professional athlete.

Manav Thakkar (47 rank), Harmeet Desai (68), Manush Shah (73), Sharat Kamal (80) are the Indian paddlers who are ahead of Snehit in world ranking.