- 14-year-old Surat prodigy bags WTT Under-15 Silver in Mongolia and Bronze in Uzbekistan
- Adani Hazira Port support helps young paddler chase international ranking points and experience
- National champion at 13, Vivan now ranked No. 2 in India’s Under-15 category
- Grade IX student adds Under-17 national ranking title in Kanpur to his rapidly rising medal cabinet
NE SPORTS BUREAU
SURAT, SEPT 7
For 14-year-old Surat paddler Vivan Rashesh Dave, the table is no longer merely a training ground—it is becoming a launchpad to the world. From picking up a table-tennis bat at six to standing on international podiums in Mongolia and Uzbekistan, the Grade IX student is emerging as one of India’s brightest young talents, with crucial support from Adani Hazira Port Limited (AHPL) helping turn international aspirations into international appearances.
Vivan recently clinched Silver in the Under-15 Boys’ Singles at the WTT Youth Contender Ulaanbaatar 2026 in Mongolia, followed by a Bronze in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. His international campaign has given him exposure to opponents from different countries while helping him chase valuable ranking points and experience.
But the medals are only the latest chapter in a journey that has gathered momentum at remarkable speed.
From a six-year-old with a bat to India’s no. 2
Vivan first took to table tennis at the age of six, progressing through district and state-level competitions before announcing himself on the national stage.
At the 2025 Under-15 National Championship in Gandhidham, he captured the individual title, besides winning Gold in the Under-15 Team event and Bronze in Doubles.
That breakthrough helped propel him to No. 2 in India in the Under-15 category, putting the Surat youngster among the country’s leading players in his age group.
And he has not stopped there.
In August 2026, Vivan added another significant feather to his cap by winning the Under-17 boys’ title at the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships in Kanpur, taking on players from an age category above his own.
For a 14-year-old, the message is becoming increasingly clear: Vivan is not merely participating—he is challenging the next generation of Indian paddlers.
When support turns talent into opportunity
International sport comes with a price tag that can be daunting for young athletes and their families. Airfare, accommodation, tournament fees and local travel can determine how often a promising player gets to test himself beyond the domestic circuit.
This is where AHPL’s financial support has made a meaningful difference for Vivan.
The assistance has enabled him to participate in international WTT tournaments, giving him the opportunity to compete against players from different countries, encounter unfamiliar playing styles and accumulate experience that cannot be replicated through domestic competition alone.
“International tournaments give young players an opportunity to compete against different styles and gain valuable experience. The support from AHPL has helped Vivan get these opportunities and continue his development,” said his support team.
The partnership therefore represents more than sponsorship—it is an investment in giving young sporting talent the opportunity to dream, travel, compete and improve on the international stage.
Hyderabad hostel, Grade IX studies and a champion’s routine
Behind the medals lies a demanding daily routine.
Vivan now trains in Hyderabad, where he stays in a hostel while continuing his Grade IX education alongside professional table-tennis coaching.
The transition from school competitions to the international circuit requires discipline well beyond the table—balancing classes, training, tournaments, travel, recovery and the mental demands of competitive sport.
For Vivan, the challenge is not simply to win the next medal, but to build the foundation for a sustained career.
The Surat boy with a global target
Mongolia and Uzbekistan have given Vivan something more valuable than medals: international exposure at an age when experience can shape an entire career.
The WTT youth circuit brings together talented players from across countries and playing systems, allowing young athletes to measure themselves against different techniques, tactics and competitive temperaments.
Vivan’s rise also underlines the importance of creating pathways for young Indian athletes to move from local and national competition to the global stage.
At 14, the Surat youngster has already collected a national championship, international medals and an Under-17 national ranking title.
The paddle is in his hand. The podiums are beginning to follow.
And with the right blend of coaching, competition, education and sustained support, Vivan Dave could well be a name Indian table tennis hears much more often in the years ahead.
