Oh Jun-sung And Hitesh Dolwani Triumph In Table Tennis Finals

Table tennis fans across Asia were treated to a thrilling weekend of championship action as two rising stars—Oh Jun-sung of South Korea and Hitesh Dolwani of India—each captured national titles in fiercely contested finals on January 26, 2026. Their victories, achieved on the same day but in different countries, not only highlight the depth of talent in Asian table tennis but also signal the emergence of new generation leaders in the sport.

In Jecheon, South Korea, the 79th Korean Air National Men's and Women's Table Tennis Championships reached a fever pitch as Oh Jun-sung, just 20 years old and already a household name among table tennis aficionados, reclaimed the men’s singles crown. The venue, Jecheon Gymnasium in Chungcheongbuk-do, was buzzing with anticipation as Oh faced off against his former doubles partner and friendly rival, Park Kyu-hyun, who at 21 has crafted his own reputation as a formidable competitor.

The final was a dramatic five-game showdown that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Park took the early lead, snatching the first game 11-6 with his signature left-handed diagonal top pin shots. Oh, renowned for his backhand straight push, responded in the second game, winning 11-7 and leveling the score. The third game was a nail-biter, going to deuce before Oh edged out Park 15-13, only for Park to claw back and take the fourth game 11-5. With the championship hanging in the balance, both players dug deep in the decisive fifth game. Oh ultimately triumphed 12-10, clinching the title 3-2 and sending his supporters into jubilation.

“The more championship titles, the better. I feel better because I missed the previous tournament and won again. The final was tough. I also want to thank (Park) Kyu-hyun for his hard work. I won this time, but next time, you don't know who will win. I want to say let's continue to work hard as we do now,” Oh told reporters after the match, his relief and joy evident. According to STARNEWS, Oh has his sights set on breaking his father’s formidable record. “I've always said my goal is to break my father's record since the beginning. Now that I've filled two times, I have to do it at least four more times in the future,” he added with a bright smile.

Oh Jun-sung’s victory is especially significant given his family legacy. He is the second son of Oh Sang-eun, a South Korean table tennis legend who won the national championship six times—more than anyone else in history. For Oh Jun-sung, chasing that record is both a personal ambition and a tribute to his family’s place in the sport.

The road to the final was anything but easy. In the semifinals, Oh had to overcome his senior, Lim Jong-hoon, in a four-game battle (11-13, 11-7, 11-4, 11-5). Meanwhile, Park Kyu-hyun battled Kim Min-hyuk, the ace of the Korea Water Resources Corporation, in another close contest, eventually prevailing 3-2 (12-10, 8-11, 11-3). The finals marked a reunion of sorts, as Oh and Park had previously faced each other in the 77th championship in 2023, with Oh then becoming the youngest ever men’s singles champion at age 17.

Interestingly, the pair’s rivalry is rooted in camaraderie. From 2022 to 2024, Oh and Park dominated men’s doubles, winning three consecutive national titles as teammates. This year, however, both changed teams—Oh transferred to Korea Exchange, and Park joined Mirae Asset Securities—and their new partnerships saw them eliminated early in the doubles bracket. Their familiarity with each other’s game was evident in the singles final, where tactical adjustments and mental resilience were on full display.

While Park Kyu-hyun has made waves in the Korean Professional Table Tennis Federation (KTTP) professional league, Oh Jun-sung has focused on the international circuit, steadily climbing the World Table Tennis (WTT) Tour rankings. His world ranking now guarantees him a spot on the national team, allowing him to look ahead to major events in 2026, including the world championships and the Asian Games. “This year's world competition and Asian Games are important competitions. I will challenge the international stage in a good mood after winning the general competition,” Oh stated, his sights set firmly on the global stage.

Back in India, another inspiring story was unfolding at the third National Para Ranking Table Tennis Championship in Chennai. Telangana’s Hitesh Dolwani captured the men’s singles Class X title, showcasing not only his technical skill but also his determination and resilience. Dolwani’s path to the championship was marked by consistent performances and a steely nerve in crucial moments.

In the final, Dolwani faced Maharashtra’s Vishwa Tambe, prevailing in a four-game contest with scores of 11-5, 11-6, 6-11, 14-12. The Hyderabad paddler had earlier dispatched Nitin of Tamil Nadu in the quarterfinals (11-5, 11-6, 11-6) and Dibrojit of Assam in the semifinals (11-6, 11-8, 12-10), demonstrating impressive form throughout the tournament. His victory not only brings pride to Telangana but also adds a new chapter to India’s growing para table tennis movement.

Dolwani’s win is significant for several reasons. It highlights the increasing competitiveness of para table tennis in India and underscores the importance of inclusive sporting events. While the spotlight often shines brightest on able-bodied championships, Dolwani’s achievement is a reminder that talent, dedication, and passion know no boundaries.

As both championships drew to a close, the excitement in the table tennis world was palpable. In South Korea, the 79th Korean Air National Championships still had the women’s singles and men’s team finals on the schedule for January 27, promising more drama and potential upsets. Fans could catch the action live on MBC SPORTS+ or via KTA TV, the official YouTube channel of the Korea Table Tennis Association.

For Oh Jun-sung and Hitesh Dolwani, January 26, 2026, will be a day to remember—a day when their hard work, skill, and perseverance paid off on the national stage. As they look toward future challenges, their recent victories serve as both inspiration and a challenge to their peers: the next generation of table tennis talent is here, and they’re ready to make history—one match at a time.