Dabang Delhi TTC’s quest for Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 glory may be facing a significant hurdle due to an injury to key player Diya Chitale. The injury was evident ahead of the final match against defending champions Athlead Goa Challengers at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium on Saturday.
During the first men’s singles match between Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Harmeet Desai, Chitale was seen displaying discomfort. She remained seated in the team dugout with her left leg elevated and an ice pack applied to her ankle.
Chitale’s consistent performance throughout the season has been pivotal for the 2018 champions. She has suffered only one loss and secured five wins, including three clean sweeps. Notably, her victories include a decisive 3-0 win against Reeth Rishya in the semi-final and a comeback 3-0 win against Manika Batra in the league stage, handing Bengaluru Smashers their first defeat.
With Delhi and Goa competing to become the inaugural two-time UTT champions, Chitale’s injury could significantly impact her team’s chances. Her absence or diminished performance could create a void that proves challenging for Dabang Delhi TTC to overcome. The outcome of the final is now shrouded in uncertainty as the team navigates this unexpected setback.
