Chennai
The Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 season kicked off on Thursday with 23 exciting matches showcasing intense rivalries and rising stars. The action starts at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, where the defending champions, Goa Challengers, will face the new team, Jaipur Patriots. The league will run for 17 days, culminating in a grand finale on September 7.
Fans can anticipate a thrilling rematch between India’s top player, Manika Batra, and World No. 13 Bernadette Szocs. Their last encounter was at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where Manika came out on top. Manika, representing PBG Bengaluru Smashers, values playing against international competitors, noting the positive impact on Indian women’s table tennis.
This season also sees the return of table tennis legends Achanta Sharath Kamal and Quadri Aruna. Sharath, leading the Chennai Lions, will compete against Aruna, the league’s highest-ranked male player. Sharath is thrilled to play in his home city and will be joined by the league’s youngest player, all aiming for the title.
The Goa Challengers, led by Harmeet Desai and featuring the undefeated Yangzi Liu, are eager to defend their championship. Harmeet is confident in their chances, given their strong past performances.
UTT 2024 introduces two new teams: Jaipur Patriots and Ahmedabad SG Pipers, expanding the league to eight teams. With 48 players, including 16 internationals, this season promises dynamic competition.
