India’s premier table tennis league, Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), is gearing up for its highly anticipated Season 6, which will take place from May 29 to June 15, with Ahmedabad playing host for the first time.
Eight teams, featuring a blend of top Indian and international table tennis stars, will compete for the title. Defending champions, Goa Challengers, will aim for a historic third victory in what promises to be a thrilling season.
Ahmedabad is quickly becoming a key player in India’s sporting landscape, with world-class infrastructure positioning the city as a potential host for future global events like the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Olympic Games. UTT’s arrival marks another milestone in Ahmedabad’s rise as a premier sporting destination.
The matches will take place at the state-of-the-art EKA Arena, a venue renowned for hosting marquee sporting events, including the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup and the 2019 Intercontinental Cup (football), providing an exciting backdrop for UTT’s sixth edition.
UTT is among India’s longest-running franchise-based sports leagues and one of the few to reach its sixth season. The league will feature eight teams, divided into two groups. Each team will play five ties in the group stage, facing all opponents in their group and two randomly drawn teams from the other group. The top four teams will advance to the knockout rounds, culminating in the grand finale on June 15. Each tie will feature five matches, comprising two women’s singles, two men’s singles, and a mixed double.
Promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), UTT has played a significant role in revolutionizing Indian table tennis since its inception in 2017, by showcasing world-class talent alongside emerging stars.
Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani expressed their excitement about the league’s expansion:
“Ahmedabad is rapidly emerging as a hub for Olympic sports, and bringing UTT here is a step toward further strengthening that growth. We are thrilled to bring the excitement of top-tier table tennis to this vibrant city, contributing to India’s journey toward becoming a global sporting powerhouse.”
Kamlesh Mehta, Secretary of TTFI, praised the league’s impact:
“Each UTT season raises the bar for competition, helping the sport grow at both grassroots and elite levels. Ahmedabad, with its robust sporting infrastructure and experience in hosting major events, is a fitting destination for Season 6.”
Last season, Goa Challengers successfully defended their title by defeating Dabang Delhi TTC, becoming the first team in UTT history to win two titles.
(With IANS inputs)
