The Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league is set to expand its roster with the inclusion of a fresh franchise, representing the bustling city of Ahmedabad. This new addition, owned by SG Sports and Entertainment (SGSE) Pvt. Ltd., a subsidiary of the APL Apollo Group, brings the total number of franchises in the league to eight.
Ultimate Table Tennis grows bigger, welcomes Ahmedabad SG Pipers – SG Sports and Entertainment Pvt Ltd as owner of eighth franchise from Ahmedabad
This exciting development follows the successful fourth edition of the UTT league last year. The newly formed team will compete under the banner of ‘Ahmedabad SG Pipers’.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the APL Apollo Group and SGSE into the UTT family,” expressed Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, co-promoters of the UTT league. They highlighted the consistent success of Indian table tennis players on international platforms and the growing popularity of UTT amongst fans and players alike. “The expansion of the league to include Ahmedabad SG Pipers is a significant step forward in promoting table tennis across new regions,” they added.
SGSE, with multi-Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi at the helm as CEO, is dedicated to fostering and nurturing sporting talent in India. Having already been part of the chess and tennis leagues, the company is now ready to contribute to the growth of Indian table tennis through their association with UTT.
“Being part of the premier table tennis competition in the country, UTT, is an exciting opportunity for us at SGSE. We look forward to contributing to the sport’s growth and ensuring that the upcoming edition of the league becomes more competitive and entertaining with the presence of our team – Ahmedabad SG Pipers,” stated Mahesh Bhupathi.
The Ahmedabad SG Pipers and Jaipur Patriots, who joined the UTT league in August 2023, will make their debut in the fifth season of the league later this year. They will compete against Bengaluru Smashers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Goa Challengers, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis, and U Mumba TT.
Since its launch in 2017, UTT has been instrumental in revolutionising table tennis in India by bringing world-class paddlers to the country and providing an unrivalled experience for players and fans alike. The league’s impact is evident from the historic qualification of Indian men’s and women’s teams for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, a first since the event’s inclusion in the 2008 Olympics. This expansion of the UTT league is a testament to the growing prominence of the sport in India.
