Won the South Asian Olympic Qualification Tournament in Kathmandu, defeating compatriot Samyog Kapali in the final
Santoo Shrestha
सन्तु श्रेष्ठ
Also known as Santu Shrestha
First Nepali table tennis player to qualify for the Olympic Games, at Paris 2024
About
Santoo Shrestha made history for Nepali table tennis in May 2024. He became the first player from the sport to qualify directly for the Olympics. He achieved this by winning a tense South Asian regional qualifying tournament in Kathmandu. He is only the third Nepali athlete ever to qualify for the Games outright, meaning directly, without a special invitation. Two taekwondo athletes had done so before him.
He served as Nepal’s joint flag bearer at the Paris 2024 opening ceremony. He then competed in the men’s singles table tennis event.
Quick facts
- Birthplace
- Nepal
- Profession
- Table tennis player
- Nationality
- Nepal
- Status
- Alive
Career & life timeline
- 2024-05-15
- 2024-07-26
Served as Nepal's joint flag bearer at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony
- 2024-07-28
Competed in the men's singles table tennis event at the Paris 2024 Olympics
Achievements
First Nepali table tennis player to qualify for the Olympics
2024Third Nepali athlete ever to qualify for the Olympics
Following taekwondo players Sangina Baidhya (2004) and Deepak Bista (2008)
Bronze medal, 13th South Asian Games
Related people
Last updated: 2026-09-06