India’s premier table tennis players and top international paddlers are gearing up to showcase their skills at the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 in Goa. The tournament will kick off with an exciting clash between Dempo Goa Challengers and U Mumba TT, the reigning champions, at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium. The competition, featuring seven franchises, will culminate in the Grand Finale on July 26.
Reigning league MVP Bernadette Szocs, a key player in the UTT, is set to lead the charge for Dempo Goa Challengers after switching teams this season. Szocs expressed her excitement about returning to the league, emphasizing the growth and competitiveness of UTT with each passing year. She highlighted the thrill of winning the title last season and her eagerness to participate in the league once again.
The upcoming UTT Season holds special significance for Indian players as it serves as crucial preparation ahead of the Asian Games in Japan. PBG Pune Jaguars’ star Diya Chitale acknowledged the unique pressure and learning opportunities offered by the league, emphasizing its role in enhancing her skills and readiness for major international competitions. The tournament provides a platform for Indian talents to hone their abilities through elite competition and developmental initiatives.
The UTT Season 7 will witness the participation of 42 players from around the globe, including 14 Olympians, adding to the competitive fervor of the event. Notable among the storylines is the inclusion of World No. 3 men’s doubles player Manush Shah in the U Mumba TT squad, where he aims to lead the team’s title defense. Shah expressed his enthusiasm for the season and his desire to contribute to U Mumba TT’s success.
The tournament is also anticipated to feature an exciting showdown between Manush Shah and his regular men’s doubles partner, Manav Thakkar, representing UP Prometheans. Thakkar highlighted the tough competition between them, emphasizing their growth as players and their shared goal of achieving success at the Asian Games. The UTT continues to foster young talent through initiatives like UTT Juniors, providing a pathway for emerging players to showcase their skills on a larger stage.
The return of Austrian Olympian Sofia Polcanova to the UTT after a hiatus adds to the season’s allure, reflecting the league’s growing popularity and international appeal. Polcanova, representing Ahmedabad APL Pipers, commended the league’s progress and expressed her delight at rejoining the competitive environment. The season will also introduce the AI-powered Table Tennis Review (TTR) system, enhancing the viewing experience with quick video reviews of contested decisions.
UTT Season 7 promises an engaging format with seven teams competing in a round-robin style, leading to knockout stages for the top four teams. Fans can catch all the action live on Star Sports Khel (Hindi), Star Sports Tamil 2 HD, and Star Sports Tamil 3 HD, with streaming available on JioHotstar in multiple languages. The tournament is poised to deliver thrilling matches and showcase the talent of top table tennis stars from India and across the globe.
