India got its best shot at a maiden table tennis medal at the Olympics on Saturday when Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra became the first Indian pairing to qualify for the mega event in Tokyo. They defeated world no. 8 duo of Sang-Su Lee and Jihee Jeon 4-2 in the final of the Asian qualification tournament in Doha.

The 2018 Asian Games bronze medallists staged a remarkable comeback after being two sets down to outwit the top-seeded Korean pair 8-11, 6-11, 11-5, 11-6, 13-11, 11-8 in a thrilling final to seal their Tokyo qualification in mixed doubles. Only the winners are eligible for the Games.

The Indian pairing had beaten the Koreans en route to a historic medal in Asian Games before losing to them on the pro tour the following year.

“Manika was unstoppable. It is very important for her to play with flow so that I am able to play my power game. That is the only way we complement each other. She was outstanding.”

“I never thought we could win the tournament. Now we are three games from winning an Olympic medal. It will be tough but it is our best shot,” Sharath said referring to the 16-pairing draw at the Tokyo Games.

Sharath, who has also qualified for the singles event alongside G Sathiyan, has now set sights at reaching at least the mixed doubles quarter finals at the Games. “I think if we can reach the quarters, it would be a fantastic result for us at the Games.”