Ayhika aims for more upsets in China
Ayhika Mukherjee returns to China, aiming to shake up the table tennis world again. In Shenzhen for the 34th Asian Cup, she hopes to build on past success.
Last year, Mukherjee stunned world No.1 Sun Yingsha at the World Team Championships, a moment that made waves in Chinese table tennis. Later, at the 2023 Asian Games, she and Sutirtha Mukherjee secured a historic bronze by defeating China’s top-ranked duo.
She thrives on tough challenges. Before facing Sun, she told her team she wanted the match, knowing she’d play her best against the best. Her confidence paid off with the biggest win of her career.
Born in Naihati, West Bengal, Mukherjee rejected art lessons in favor of sports. Drawn to table tennis early, she started training at five. By 2008, she dominated U-12 and U-15 events in Bengal, winning all 22 tournaments she entered.
The medals haven’t stopped. She and Sutirtha won India’s first Asian Games women’s doubles medal. They added another bronze at the 2024 Asian Championships, where Mukherjee also helped secure a team event medal.
Her family cherishes her win over Sun the most. She once woke up to find her mother watching a replay. Now in Shenzhen, Mukherjee aims to create more unforgettable moments.
