Siliguri’s Punit Biswas Shines in Asian Youth TT Championship

By Subrata Ray, timesofnorth.IN

SILIGURI, 8 July 2025 — In a proud moment for Indian table tennis, the Under-19 Cadet Boys team clinched the bronze medal at the Asian Youth Table Tennis Championship 2025 held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 26th June to 2nd July. The team, comprising Ankur Bhattacharya, Abhinandh Pradhivadhi, Priyanuj Bhattacharyya, and Siliguri’s very own Punit Biswas, narrowly missed the finals after a close 3-2 loss to South Korea in the semi-finals.

Seventeen-year-old Punit Biswas, a student of Siliguri Boys High School and currently ranked 823 in the World Table Tennis (WTT) rankings, shared his journey and aspirations in an exclusive telephonic interview with timesofnorth.IN.

A Journey Rooted in Siliguri’s TT Culture

Punit’s table tennis journey began at the Rainbow TT Coaching Centre under Bharat Nagar Tufani Sangha in Siliguri. “It started as a small club with limited facilities,” he recalled. “But under the guidance of my first coach, Birupakkha Saha, it has grown into a modern coaching centre. Biru Sir has played a major role in my development and in building the centre. Earlier, we had Rajdeep Sir, an excellent coach, but unfortunately, we lost him during the COVID pandemic. It was a great loss.”

Bronze in Tashkent: A Dream Realised

Calling the recent tournament a dream come true, Punit said, “It’s a dream for young TT players like us. We gave our best and reached the semi-finals. Though we couldn’t perform to our full potential against South Korea, we are determined to come back stronger and aim for gold next time.”

This was Punit’s second international appearance. “Earlier, I went to Doha and won medals there. Now I’m training in Kolkata to improve further and adapt to international training systems,” he added.

Team Spirit and Coordination

Punit praised the team’s unity and spirit. “The coordination among us was excellent. We had full belief in each other and received continuous mental support from teammates and officials.”

On Siliguri’s Table Tennis Legacy and Revival

Once known as the “TT Capital of East India,” Siliguri has seen a decline in producing national champions in recent years. Punit believes the revival lies in the hands of both players and officials. “It depends on the players’ zeal to win and the development of infrastructure. Consistent medal wins will bring back Siliguri’s lost glory and inspire future generations.” He also emphasized the importance of stability in training. “Young trainees should stay committed to one coaching centre. Frequent switching affects their development. Trust between coach and player is very important.”

Future Goals and Inspirations

Punit’s dream is clear: “I want to participate in the Olympic Games and win gold for my country.” He draws inspiration from Subhajit Saha, the second Arjuna Awardee from Siliguri and a two-time Commonwealth Gold Medallist, who is now a national coach. Internationally, he admires China’s Fan Zhendong, who, although retired from international play, continues to compete at the club level.

Family: The Pillar of Support

Punit credits his family for his success. “Their support has been immense. My father worked very hard to build my career, even though we don’t have a sports background. My grandmother, Amma, used to take me to the coaching centre every day. I love them deeply.”

A Hope for Siliguri’s TT Revival

Punit Biswas is not just a rising star in Indian table tennis but also a symbol of hope for Siliguri’s sporting future. With dedication, strong coaching, and community support, the city may soon reclaim its title as a powerhouse of Indian table tennis.