26/05/2026
Dream run for Manush at WTT Contender Lagos 2026
India’s prolific paddler Manush Shah produced a stellar performance at the WTT Contender Lagos 2026, held from May 19 to 24 in Lagos, Nigeria, by capturing the men’s doubles and mixed doubles titles while also reaching the semifinals in the men’s singles event.
Teaming up with his long-time mixed doubles partner Diya Chitale, the Indian top-seeded pair outclassed France’s Leo De Nodrest and Camille Lutz 3-0 (11-8, 14-12, 11-8) in the summit clash to lift the trophy.
With this title win, Manush and Diya have now completed a memorable ‘Triple Crown’ at WTT Contender by winning the WTT Contender Tunis 2025, WTT Contender Muscat 2026 and WTT Contender Lagos 2026.
Manush had more reasons to celebrate in Lagos as he also tasted success in the men’s doubles event alongside Gujarat teammate Manav Thakkar.
The top-seeded Indian pair defeated Romania’s Lulian Chirita and Andrei Istrate 3-0 (11-7, 12-10, 11-4) in the final to clinch the championship.
Manush’s incredible performance in Lagos made him the only Indian paddler to bag four WTT Contender titles — three in mixed doubles and one in men’s doubles.
Apart from the doubles’ success, both Manush and Manav impressed in the singles events as well. While Manush reached the semifinals in men’s singles — a result expected to help him break into the world top-50 rankings — Manav advanced to the quarterfinals, strengthening his position inside the world top-30.
Speaking after the tournament, the 25-year-old Manush said the Lagos campaign marked a special milestone in his career.
“This is our first men’s doubles title even though we were in the top eight of the world for almost a year, so this one is special. In mixed doubles, the Lagos 2026 triumph gave me and Diya a Triple Crown. More importantly, I was aiming to enter the world top-50 in men’s singles and that goal will be achieved when the new rankings are released thanks to my semifinal appearance here,” said Manush.
