India’s most sensible desk tennis league — Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) is about to go back after a three-year hiatus and is scheduled to be held from July 13-30, 2023 on the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune. The franchise-based league — promoted through Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, below the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) has been a gamechanger for Indian desk tennis since its inception in 2017.
Besides bringing world-class desk tennis motion to India, the league has witnessed the emergence of big name Indian skill equivalent to Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, Manav Thakkar, Sutirtha Mukherjee and Manika Batra, who attracted the eye of the rustic with their shocking performances within the inaugural seasons. of UTT.
“Our major function with launching UTT was once to popularize the game in India. And the ever expanding certain responses season through season had been heartening to peer. It’s unlucky that the league could not happen after 2019 however right here we’re once more; as dedicated as we had been at the first day in 2017 to take desk tennis on this nation to the following degree. And so as to add any other global category league to this huge combine in India,” co-promoter Niraj Bajaj commented.
The league was once final performed out in Delhi in 2019 the place Chennai Lions, spearheaded through Indian desk tennis legend Sharath Kamal received the 3rd version through beating Sathiyan’s Dabang Delhi TTC within the ultimate. The 2d version was once received through Dabang Delhi TTC led through Manika Batra and Sathiyan, whilst Falcons TTC received the primary version.
“We are absolutely delighted to announce the return of Ultimate Table Tennis. COVID put the league to a tough halt. But after three long years, our efforts to popularize and grow the sport in India will continue. Hand in hand with the TTFI we will continue to provide a platform for talent in the country. And I want to take this opportunity to thank the federation for its support,” UTT chairperson Vita Dani mentioned.
Five of the six franchises that may take part within the upcoming version proceed from 2019 — U Mumba TT, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis, Goa Challengers, Dabang Delhi TTC and RPSG Mavericks Kolkata.
The league welcomes its latest franchise — Bengaluru Smashers — owned and promoted through Mr. Punit Balan who heads the Punit Balan Group and is a philanthropist and new-age sports activities investor with franchises throughout Ultimate Kho-Kho, Tennis Premier League and the Premier Handball League.
Commenting at the go back of the league the game’s governing frame within the nation issued a commentary: “The Table Tennis Federation of India is happy to support, and encourage a league that is determined to grow the game in India. UTT has helped put India on the world map in regards to hosting a world class event in the country and attracting the finest talent from the world. We wish UTT all the success in the upcoming season,” TTFI President Meghna Ahlawat and Secretary General Kamlesh Mehta mentioned in a joint commentary.