NAGOYA: Pakistan’s table tennis teams endured a difficult start to the Asian Games, with the women’s team exiting the group stage without winning a match.
The men’s team also lost both of its opening ties and now faces India later on Monday.
The women’s team suffered a 3-0 defeat against India in their final Group F match at Sky Hall Toyota.
The loss followed identical 3-0 defeats against Singapore and Indonesia on Sunday.
Against India, 15-year-old Aleena Khan lost 11-3, 11-3, 11-4 to experienced player Sutirtha Mukherjee.
Aleena completed the match in 10 minutes.
Kulsoom Khan, 19, then lost 11-6, 11-7, 11-5 to Syndrela Das.
Fatima Khan faced India’s highest-ranked player, Sreeja Akula, in the third match.
Akula won 11-4, 11-4, 11-5 in 11 minutes to complete India’s 3-0 victory.
Pakistan also struggled in their opening matches against Singapore and Indonesia.
Aleena, Kulsoom and 55-year-old Nosheen Aslam all lost in straight games against Singapore.
Fatima, Kulsoom and Nosheen then suffered straight-game defeats against Indonesia.
Pakistan failed to win a single game throughout the women’s team event.
Men’s Team Also Struggles
The men’s team also endured a challenging opening day on Sunday.
Pakistan lost both of its ties 3-0, first against Iran and then Indonesia.
Taha Bilal and Abbas Khan failed to win a game in either tie.
Mohammad Khan managed to take one game against Indonesia’s Mohammad Negara but could not prevent Pakistan from losing the tie.
Pakistan will face India later on Monday as the men’s team continues its Asian Games campaign.
