Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) is set to bring world-class table tennis action to fans across India, thanks to its renewed partnership with Viacom18. The much-anticipated UTT 2024 season will take place in Chennai from August 22 to September 7 and will be streamed for free on JioCinema and broadcast on the Sports18 Network.
This marks the second consecutive year of collaboration between UTT and Viacom18, following a highly successful previous season. The franchise-based league, now in its fifth season, promises 17 days of electrifying action. JioCinema and the Sports18 Network will deliver high-octane matches in both English and Hindi, catering to table tennis and sports enthusiasts nationwide.
Ultimate Table Tennis extends broadcast deal with Viacom18, deepens commitment to promote India’s table tennis revolution
A Growing Legacy Since 2017
Launched in 2017 and promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India, UTT has swiftly become one of the most sought-after global sports properties in table tennis. The league has significantly contributed to the growth of Indian table tennis, playing a pivotal role in India’s historic qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
A Word from the Promoters
UTT co-promoters Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani expressed their excitement about the ongoing partnership: “Our collaboration with Viacom18 underscores our mutual commitment to expanding table tennis in India. With their mandate for Paris 2024, Viacom18 will spotlight our top Indian paddlers as they compete on the grandest stage. The transition to UTT 2024 following the Olympics will be seamless. Viacom18’s extensive reach and dedication to sports streaming and broadcasting will ensure that the excitement of UTT 2024 resonates throughout the country.”
Expanding Viewership and Team Rosters
Last season, UTT garnered a combined viewership of over 33 million across 18 days on JioCinema and the Sports18 Network. This year, the league is expanding its footprint by featuring eight teams for the first time, with the addition of Ahmedabad SG Pipers and Jaipur Patriots. The other six teams participating in this edition are PBG Bengaluru Smashers, Dabang Delhi TTC, U Mumba TT, Goa Challengers, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis, and Chennai Lions.
Viacom18’s Diverse Sporting Portfolio
UTT adds to Viacom18‘s already diverse portfolio of world-class sporting events, including the upcoming Olympic Games Paris 2024, Diamond League, select BWF events, BCCI Cricket, TATA IPL, TATA WPL, SA20, Major League Cricket (MLC), and the NBA among others.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Ultimate Table Tennis. The league has captivated the audience by showcasing high-quality competition and stellar performances by Indian and international star paddlers,” said Hursh Shrivastava, Viacom18 Sports Head of Strategy, Acquisitions, & Partnerships. “We are particularly delighted to present the best Indian paddlers such as Sharath Kamal, Harmeet Desai, Manav Thakkar, Manika Batra, and Sreeja Akula, who will be returning from their Olympic rendezvous as they throw their hat in the ring for UTT 2024.”
Star-Studded Lineup
A total of 48 premier paddlers, including top Indian players like Achanta Sharath Kamal, Manika Batra, Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, and Sreeja Akula, alongside 16 global stars such as World No. 9 Bernadette Szocs, World No. 16 Nina Mittelham, and Nigeria’s ace player Quadri Aruna, are set to compete in UTT 2024.
The Player Draft will take place in Mumbai on July 10, setting the stage for yet another thrilling season of Ultimate Table Tennis. With top-tier talent and strategic partnerships, UTT 2024 promises to elevate the sport’s profile in India and deliver unforgettable moments for fans.
Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to witness some of the best table tennis action this season—brought to you by UTT and Viacom18.
