Danisha Patel, a proud member of the Lenasia Table Tennis Association (LTTA) and one of South Africa’s all-time table tennis champions, has once again proven the depth of talent emerging from Lenasia-showcasing the community’s excellence despite the challenges it faces.
Patel competed in the uMgungundlovu Table Tennis Association (UMG TTA) Open 2025, held from May 1–3 at Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School in KwaZulu-Natal. She claimed gold in the women’s singles, further solidifying her status as one of the country’s top players. This win follows her first-place finish at the Johannesburg Table Tennis Association (JTTA) Open 2025, which took place from April 26–28 in Alberton.
Chetan Nathoo, also from LTTA and a seasoned South African champion, secured a bronze medal in the men’s singles and took home gold in the mixed doubles event alongside Patel.
“It was good to play. The same competition as the Joburg Open was present. There was a nice turnout, and the UMG team did well to host a successful tournament,” said Patel.
She explained that the format involved eight groups, with players progressing directly to a round of 16 knockout stage. Patel’s finals opponent was her teammate and friend, Laiilaa Edwards of the JTTA. One of the challenges Patel noted was adjusting to the humidity of Pietermaritzburg. In her closing remarks, she emphasized the value of table tennis as a sport that requires both discipline and practice.
“You won’t know how good you are unless you try,” she encouraged aspiring players. Patel’s ongoing success continues to inspire the Lenasia community, showing that with dedication and hard work, local talent can thrive on national stages.
“It was a good overall tournament for me,” said Nathoo. “Winning gold in the mixed doubles with Danisha Patel was a highlight. I finished with bronze in the singles after losing in the semifinals to fellow national team member Liam Buekes.”
He congratulated the winners and added, “Back to the drawing board for now.”
“The UMG TTA successfully completed the P1 Open, a National Ranking Tournament, from May 1–3 at the Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School Sports Centre. Over 200 players from across South Africa competed in able-bodied and para events, as well as junior categories from under-11 to under-19 – highlighting the country’s deep talent,” said UMG TTA President Preshen Naidoo.
He described the tournament as UMG TTA’s “biggest and best,” praising the level of play, sportsmanship, and support from the table tennis community. He noted the strength of the junior division as a promising sign for the sport’s future. “Local athletes faced tough competition, with Luke Abrahams and Danisha Patel securing the men’s and women’s singles titles,” Naidoo added.
“UMG TTA thanks all contributors and remains committed to growing table tennis by prioritizing inclusivity, youth development, and sporting excellence.”
Story by Priya Ranchod
Pics supplied
