The Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league, a franchise-based competition held under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), has celebrated seven years since its inception. In that time, the league has grown significantly, with five editions held – a hiatus occurred due to the COVID-19 pandemic between 2020 and 2022. While the UTT has undoubtedly contributed to the growth of table tennis in India, its journey has not been without its challenges.
In its initial editions, the league was held across three cities, requiring players to travel extensively. While this aimed to promote the sport across India, it proved to be a logistical burden for players, leading to fatigue and ultimately, a shift to a single venue format in 2019 and continuing into 2024. This year, Chennai was chosen as the host city, a decision that seemed ideal considering the city is home to two of India’s top paddlers, Achanta Sharath Kamal and Sathiyan Gnanasekaran. However, despite this, attendance at the matches was disappointing, with empty seats prevalent even though only a limited number were available for booking.
A closer examination reveals that the league’s marketing campaign lacked vigor. While clever tactics like placing UTT advertisements on state-run buses ensured visibility, a crucial aspect was missing – local language promotion. Furthermore, despite offering tickets at affordable prices, the UTT failed to promote these adequately on ticket-booking platforms, hindering accessibility. While the VIP stands offered exclusive benefits like dinner buffets and interactions with stars, these perks were not highlighted on the booking platform, leading to a further decrease in attendance.
Despite these challenges, the league has been a platform for young talent. Ankur Bhattacharjee, a 17-year-old with an aggressive playing style, has shown incredible promise. He has showcased a wide array of shots, captivating audiences with his impressive forehand topspin, unorthodox sidespin, and powerful backhand. Another young player, Diya Chitale, has also made a significant impact. Her precise shot placements and quick reflexes have helped her secure victories against prominent players like Manika Batra. Diya has been recognized for her potential, having won numerous medals in national and international tournaments.
The UTT has also been a platform for players like Jeet Chandra, who, as a replacement player in 2023, managed to defeat India’s top player, Harmeet Desai. This performance earned him a spot on the Indian team for the Asian Championships.
While the league faces challenges like low attendance and a need for more consistent player retention, it has demonstrated its potential to contribute to the growth of table tennis in India. The league’s ability to showcase young talent, provide a platform for players to hone their skills, and promote the sport across the country are valuable assets. With a few strategic adjustments, like strengthening its marketing strategy, providing more opportunities for player retention, and addressing logistical concerns, the UTT has the potential to become a major force in the world of table tennis, rivaling leagues like the Chinese Super League, Bundesliga, and French Pro A.
