Is the UTT National Ranking Tournament the Biggest Table Tennis Event in New Delhi This September?
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Synopsis
The UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Tournament is set to take place in New Delhi from September 7 to 14, featuring top players like Diya Chitale, G. Sathiyan, and Harmeet Desai. With nearly 3000 entries, this event promises to be a thrilling showcase of talent and an exciting opportunity for young players to learn from the best.
Key Takeaways
- 2958 entries reflect the growing popularity of table tennis in India.
- First national ranking tournament in Delhi since 2008.
- Featuring top players like Diya Chitale, G. Sathiyan, and Harmeet Desai.
- Opportunity for young players to learn from experienced champions.
- Organized by the Delhi State Table Tennis Association.
New Delhi, Sep 2 (NationPress) The capital will welcome some of India's most renowned table tennis players, including the reigning national champion Diya Chitale and Commonwealth Games gold medalists G. Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai, at the upcoming UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Tournament, kicking off on September 7 at the Thyagraj Stadium.
This tournament has attracted an astounding 2958 entries, highlighting the growing enthusiasm for the sport. Remarkably, this is the first time since 2008 that the Delhi State Table Tennis Association (DSTTA) will host a national ranking tournament, although the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) last organized one in the capital back in 2012 with backing from Haryana.
Gurpreet Singh, president of DSTTA, shared his enthusiasm about the remarkable participation. “The entry count of 2958 speaks volumes about the interest this tournament has sparked. I don’t recall a similar turnout for a national ranking event. We are thoroughly prepared to host the tournament,” he stated.
The event, running until September 14, will include 12 events across categories such as senior, U-19, U-17, U-15, U-13, and U-11. Among the male competitors, national champions Sathiyan, Harmeet, Anthony Amalraj, and Soumyajit Ghosh—who had previously stepped back from the national scene after competing in the 2012 London Olympics—will lead the competition.
In the women’s category, Chitale is the frontrunner, competing against seasoned players like Mouma Das, Madhurika Patkar, Reeth Rishya, and Divya Deshpande.
A notable absence will be Manika Batra from Delhi, who is unavailable due to international obligations, with her world ranking recently dropping to 55.
The organizing committee also includes national coach and Dronacharya Award recipient Sandeep Gupta, who emphasized the tournament's significance for young players. “Having so many national champions in attendance provides a fantastic opportunity for aspiring players in Delhi to witness them firsthand and learn simultaneously. Competing against the best will enable them to enhance their skills,” Gupta remarked.
Point of View
The UTT National Ranking Tournament is a significant milestone for table tennis in India, showcasing the sport's rising popularity and the commitment of local organizations like the DSTTA. This event not only highlights existing talent but also nurtures future stars, reinforcing the importance of competitive platforms in enhancing the sport's profile nationally.
NationPress
02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the UTT National Ranking Tournament?
The UTT National Ranking Tournament is a prestigious table tennis event held in New Delhi, featuring elite players from across India.
When does the tournament start?
The tournament commences on September 7 and runs until September 14.
Where is the tournament taking place?
The event will take place at the Thyagraj Stadium in New Delhi.
Who are the key players to watch?
Look out for reigning national champion Diya Chitale and Commonwealth Games medalists G. Sathiyan and Harmeet Desai.
How many entries were received for the tournament?
A record total of 2958 entries have been received, highlighting the growing interest in table tennis.
