Lenasia’s Danisha Patel wins 1st Place at Women’s League at Joburg Open
Danisha Patel, a distinguished South African table tennis champion representing the Lenasia Table Tennis Association (LTTA), has once again demonstrated her exceptional skill by securing 1st place in the women’s league at the Joburg Open 2025.
The tournament was held from April 26 to 28, in Alberton, under the auspices of the Johannesburg Table Tennis Association (JTTA). Patel, renowned for her prowess on the table, has made significant contributions both as a player and a coach, inspiring upcoming athletes in the sport.
The event featured an array of competitors, including junior players and South African champion Chetan Nathoo, all representing the LTTA.
In a post-tournament interview, Patel reflected on her experience: “The event was a successful tournament hosted by JTTA. A lot of hard work and team dedication went into it. I played in the group stage and then moved straight into the knockout round of 32,” she said.
She also shared insights into the tournament’s significance and her challenges: “Johannesburg hosts an open tournament every year, with each province organizing its own event as part of a ranking system. I won the 2024 open, so I was defending my title this year. My main challenge was balancing coaching the juniors while competing, which meant long days at the hall.”
Vikas Kasan, chairperson of the LTTA, expressed immense pride in the club’s members’ performances:”Huge congratulations to all our talented members who represented LTTA! The feedback from fellow club chairpersons and players was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the exceptional skill and sportsmanship displayed by our players,” he stated.
He continued, emphasizing the collective effort: “From our junior stars to our seasoned veterans and from our ladies to our senior men, every single one of you brought pride and distinction to our club. Your dedication and passion are truly inspiring.”
Special recognition was given to top performers, notably Patel’s victory in the women’s category and Chetan Nathoo’s second-place finish in the men’s category.
Kesan concluded with words of encouragement:”Your achievements were remarkable and we’re proud of you. We look forward to seeing what the future holds for both of you and the LTTA.”
Danisha Patel’s triumph underscores her individual talent and highlights the strength and dedication of the Lenasia Table Tennis Association as a whole. Her victory inspires aspiring players and strengthens the community’s reputation in the sport.
Story and image: Priya Ranchod