Dronacharya Awardee Raman Subramanian Makes Coaching Debut in UTT Season 6
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Synopsis
Dronacharya Awardee Raman Subramanian joins other prominent coaches for their debut in UTT Season 6. The league allows teams to select their coaching staff directly for the first time, enhancing strategy and competition.
Key Takeaways
- Raman Subramanian makes his coaching debut in UTT Season 6.
- Teams can now choose coaches directly, enhancing strategy.
- The tournament will be held at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad.
- Returning coaches include Elena Timina and Subhajit Saha.
- Newcomers include Chris Pfeiffer and Jubin Kumar.
Ahmedabad, April 3 (NationPress) Dronacharya Awardee Raman Subramanian, along with German coach Chris Pfeiffer, who has trained renowned players like Sharath Kamal and Manika Batra, is set to take on coaching responsibilities in the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 6. They will be joined by experienced trainers Pavel Rehorek, Julien Girard, and former India No. 1 Jubin Kumar, all of whom are ready to make their coaching debuts this season.
For the first time in the league's history, teams have the liberty to choose their coaching personnel directly, moving away from the previous Coach Draft system.
Returning to the scene are coaches Elena Timina, Parag Agrawal, Subhajit Saha, Soumyadeep Roy, and Sachin Shetty, all aiming to capture their second UTT championship.
This franchise-based league, supported by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the Table Tennis Federation of India, is scheduled to occur from May 29 to June 15 at the EKA Arena in Ahmedabad, marking the venue's inaugural hosting of the UTT.
Subramanian, who previously led the Dabang Delhi TTC to victory in Season 2, brings a wealth of experience from coaching the Indian team at the 2022 Commonwealth Games. He will collaborate with fellow newcomer Girard in a new coaching partnership. Pfeiffer, who is now coaching Ahmedabad SG Pipers, has been instrumental in the growth of Indian table tennis since 2022, while Rehorek boasts a coaching career that spans over three decades.
Kumar, debuting with Kolkata ThunderBlades, rounds out the group of newcomers. Meanwhile, seasoned coaches Timina, Shetty, and Vesna Ojstersek are set to return for their sixth consecutive UTT season, ensuring a blend of continuity and expertise.
Commenting on the new coaching lineup, the UTT co-promoters stated, “This season showcases thrilling new coaching talent, enhancing the league's already impressive pool of expertise. For the first time, teams can approach coaches directly, enabling them to craft setups that align with their strategies. This new level of autonomy is expected to boost competition and provide players with exceptional, customized guidance from the sidelines.”
The reigning champions, Goa Challengers, have reassembled their Season 4-winning duo, Timina and Agrawal, as they strive for a remarkable third consecutive title. U Mumba TT has retained John Murphy as their foreign coach alongside Jay Modak, while Ojstersek joins former champion Saha at PBG Pune Jaguars.
Newcomer Kolkata ThunderBlades has appointed Swedish coach Tobias Bergman to partner with Kumar, while former champions Chennai Lions have selected Roy and German trainer Jorg Bitzigeio.
Jaipur Patriots have paired Shetty with debut coach Rehorek, while Ahmedabad SG Pipers will be led by Somnath Ghosh and Pfeiffer.
Teams and coaches:
Ahmedabad SG Pipers: Somnath Ghosh; Chris Pfeiffer (Germany)
Jaipur Patriots: Sachin Shetty; Pavel Rehorek (Czech Republic)
PBG Pune Jaguars: Subhajit Saha; Vesna Ojstersek (Slovenia)
Goa Challengers: Parag Agrawal; Elena Timina (Netherlands)
Dabang Delhi TTC: Raman Subramanian; Julien Girard (France)
U Mumba TT: Jay Modak; John Murphy (Ireland)
Kolkata ThunderBlades: Jubin Kumar; Tobias Bergman (Sweden)
Chennai Lions: Soumyadeep Roy; Jorg Bitzigeio (Germany)
