Tokyo Olympics: 6 table tennis players to watch out for - In Pics

Key table tennis players to watch out for at the Tokyo Olympics:

Fan Zhendong (China): World number one and former Nanjing 2014 Youth Olympics champion Fan will make his Olympics debut and lead the powerful Chinese men's team, along with Ma Long and Xu Xin. Known for explosive shakehand-grip play style and footwork, he is a four-time International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) World Men's Cup champion. Credit: Reuters Photo

Hend Zaza (Syria): Zaza is set to be the youngest table tennis player to compete in the Olympics this year. Born in Hama, Syria, to an athletic family, the 12-year-old started playing table tennis at five. Credit: Instagram/jm_deportes

Mima ITO (Japan): Ito is a central figure to Japan's squad this summer, as she holds winning records against some Olympic-bound Chinese paddlers. Known for her fast attack and a constantly evolving playing style, the 20-year-old is second in women's singles world ranking, the only non-Chinese athlete in the top five. Credit: Instagram/mima_ito

Quadri Aruna (Nigeria): Aruna will be looking to get closer to the finals at his third Olympic appearance. Apart from the game he is well known for his philanthropic work and contributions outside of the court. He is often seen donating table tennis equipment to Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls, and encouraging aspiring Nigerian athletes to pursue their dreams. Credit: Instagram/quadriaruna

Tomokazu Harimoto (Japan): Another Olympic debutant is Tomokazu Harimoto, who is a favourite for a medal at the Games this summer. The 17-year-old has achieved unprecedented records, including becoming the youngest-ever winner of ITTF World Tour men's singles in 2017 and the ITTF World Tour Grand Finals men's singles the year after, among many more. Credit: Instagram/harimoto__tomokazu_1711

Sharath Kamal (India): India's finest table tennis player is a multiple-time gold medallist and is eyeing his fourth Olympics. The world number 32, Sharath’s bigger achievement is being part of the bronze-winning team at the 2018 Asian Games, ensuring India's first ever table tennis medal in the continental event. Credit: PTI Photo