Para-paddler Wadhwa adds 17th int'l medal to tally

Ludhiana: International para table tennis player Shubham Wadhwa has brought further laurels to the city by clinching a bronze medal at the ITTF World Para Future Costa Brava 2026 tournament held in Spain. Wadhwa, a ten-time National Gold Medalist with 17 international medals now to his credit, secured this latest podium finish in the mixed doubles category. He currently holds an impressive global standing, ranked as World No. 8 in mixed doubles and Asian No. 2.This achievement follows his remarkable performance earlier this year at the ITTF World Para Future Gold Coast 2026 in Australia. Competing in Class 3 singles, Wadhwa defeated Japan 3-2 in the group stage and bested two Australian opponents. He then overcame Oceania's top-ranked Australian paddler 3-1 in the semifinals before clinching the final 3-0 against Japan to secure his first international singles gold medal.Expressing gratitude after his success in Spain, Wadhwa thanked the Ludhiana district administration, specifically deputy commissioner Himanshu Jain, and his sponsors for their consistent backing. "I am deeply thankful to DC Himanshu Jain, Dewaker Jain from Prime Steel Processor, and the Red Cross Society for their unwavering support. This encouragement provided the confidence and resources to compete at the highest level," Wadhwa stated. He added that this support has strengthened his resolve for major upcoming challenges, including the Asian Games and the World Championships in Thailand.