Manush hopes to get going in front of home fans

He began 2025 by lifting his maiden senior National singles championship title in Surat, around 150 km from his hometown. As 2026 begins, Manush Shah is aiming to start the year on an even more productive note — this time on home turf.

The bespectacled Manush, who along with his mixed doubles partner Diya Chitale became the first Indian pair to qualify for the ITTF Finals — the season-ending event featuring the top-eight players in each category — will begin his campaign at the WTT Feeder as the top seed in men’s singles on Friday at the SAMA Indoor Sports Complex.

“It’s a big boost for my city. It has been a fantastic venue,” Manush told The Hindu on Wednesday. “I keep hearing from players that this venue is literally one of the best venues in India. This time around, I am very happy and proud that an international event has been allotted here.”

Despite being World No. 75 and typically preferring to compete at higher tiers of the WTT circuit, Manush chose to feature in the Feeder event largely due to the opportunity to play in front of his home crowd. “I hope that I get some home support and that I can encourage the young ones to come and watch how international players compete,” he said.

Manush also highlighted the presence of strong overseas competition, particularly in the women’s draw. “There are some very strong Korean women players participating. Once you watch them compete, you start to understand the level of fitness, skill and the areas where improvement is required,” he said.

“That’s something I would urge the younger paddlers — especially those who look up to me — to take note of when they come to the stadium”.