Get ready to unleash your inner table tennis fanatic because IndianOil Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) powered by DafaNews, the franchise-based league from India, has made a comeback after a long-awaited four-year hiatus. The fourth season of this adrenaline-fueled extravaganza has already kicked off in spectacular fashion, captivating fans from the very first serve on Thursday.
Promoted by the dynamic duo of Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), UTT Season 4 promises to be a spectacle like no other.
In the previous edition of UTT back in 2019, the Chennai Lions, under the dynamic leadership of Achanta Sharath Kamal, triumphed as the worthy champions. Now, as UTT Season 4 unfolds, the Chennai Lions are gearing up to defend their hard-earned title, starting their campaign against the hosts themselves, the Puneri Paltan.
From the rise of new stars to the strategies of the seasoned veterans, we’ve got you covered of UTT Season 4 as we bring you an exclusive lowdown on all the must-know details.
Ready for an adrenaline-charged showdown as Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 4 takes center stage? Starting from July 13 and running through to July 30, this epic season promises to keep you on the edge of your seat every step of the way.
Make sure to adjust your clocks, because every match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST, ensuring your evenings are filled with thrilling moments, intense rallies, and jaw-dropping displays of skill. So gather your friends and family, get comfortable, and prepare to witness table tennis greatness unfold right before your eyes at the awe-inspiring Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.
With a single venue for all the matches, the atmosphere is set to be electric, creating an immersive experience you won’t want to miss. It’s time to witness the magic of UTT Season 4 like never before!
Also Read: IndianOil Partners with Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) for Season 4
Revolutionizing Fan Engagement: IndianOil UTT Season 4 Takes Table Tennis to the Virtual Frontier with Aatral Partnership
Ready to immerse yourself in a world where reality and virtuality seamlessly intertwine, allowing you to connect with the exhilaration of table tennis in a whole new way?
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the virtual realm as IndianOil UTT Season 4 introduces an exciting partnership with the metaverse solution company, Aatral. This groundbreaking collaboration is set to revolutionize fan engagement, offering table tennis enthusiasts an immersive and interactive virtual experience like never before.
Revolutionize your 🏓 experience in the virtual world of UTTverse 😍
— Ultimate Table Tennis (@UltTableTennis) July 8, 2023
Download the UTTverse app and be a part of the immersive metaverse now ⬇️
Android link – https://t.co/042bOGZlxd
iOS link – https://t.co/2MtfHuI9tv@aatral_io | #TheRallyContinues #UltimateTableTennis… pic.twitter.com/rWLLS9XRQO
In this groundbreaking venture into the Metaverse, UTT and Aatral will transport fans into a whole new dimension, where they will be greeted with a captivating environment filled with a plethora of gaming options and table tennis-related experiences. Brace yourself for an unprecedented level of immersion as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality technologies are harnessed to create an unparalleled fan experience.
As part of this revolutionary initiative, three to four table tennis-themed mini-games will be made available to fans. Aatral will craft an engaging 3D space where fans can download and enjoy these applications from the Google Play Store, App Store, and UTT website. These downloadable games will take full advantage of the interactive capabilities of mobile devices, ensuring that fan involvement reaches new heights. Now, table tennis enthusiasts can experience the thrill of the sport not only during the league but also anytime, anywhere through this portable gaming experience, where the sport is literally at their fingertips.
Read More: Ultimate Table Tennis Season 4 Schedule is here: live on Sports 18 and JioCinema
Unleashing the Powerhouses: Meet the Visionary Owners of UTT Season 4 Franchises
Meet the powerhouses behind the franchises in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 4. These visionary owners bring a unique blend of passion, expertise, and determination to the table. Let’s dive into their stories:
1. Bengaluru Smashers
Owned by: Punit Balan is a true multi-faceted personality. As an entrepreneur, filmmaker, social worker, and sports enthusiast, he embodies a diverse range of talents. Leading the Bengaluru Smashers, Punit Balan’s entrepreneurial ventures extend beyond the realm of table tennis. Punit Balan, an accomplished entrepreneur, leads the Balan Group, a highly valued company worth INR 3,500 crore. In addition to his successful ventures, he extends his passion for sports by owning teams in diverse sporting leagues such as badminton, tennis, Kho, and handball. Additionally, Punit Balan actively invests in sports employment start-ups and supports various sportspersons. His passion for sports and commitment to nurturing talent make him an invaluable asset to the Bengaluru Smashers.
2. Chennai Lions
Owned by: Dr. Karishma Yadav and Adv. Harini Yadav are dynamic young entrepreneurs stepping into the world of table tennis. Dr. Karishma Yadav and Adv. Harini Yadav, the visionary owners of the Chennai Lions franchise, are on a mission to revitalize table tennis from its grassroots level. Their goal is to cultivate a thriving ecosystem in Tamil Nadu, developing robust infrastructure and propelling the game to global recognition. The defending champions of UTT Season 3, Dr. Karishma Yadav and Adv. Harini Yadav are determined to defend their crown while promoting the sport on a larger scale. Their vision and dedication bring a fresh perspective to the league.
3. Goa Challengers
Owned by: Shrinivas Dempo and Vivek Bhargava Shrinivas Dempo, chairman of the renowned Dempo Group from Goa, and Vivek Bhargava, CEO of the DAN Performance Group, join forces to own the Goa Challengers franchise. Together, their aim is to instill a sports culture at the grassroots level and create globally competitive opportunities for future champions. With a focus on nurturing talent and developing a strong foundation, the Goa Challengers are ready to unleash their competitive spirit and bring their A game to UTT Season 4.
4. Dabang Delhi TTC
Owned by: DOIT Sports Management, a company with a strong presence in Business Services, is on a mission to propel table tennis to new heights in India. As the owners of Dabang Delhi TTC, they have already tasted success, winning the title in UTT Season 2 and finishing as runners-up in Season 3. DOIT Sports Management enters UTT Season 4 with a strong determination and a fiercely competitive mindset, aiming to overcome challenges and achieve triumph in the tournament.
5. Puneri Paltan Table Tennis
Owned by: InsureKot Sports Pvt. Ltd, headed by Mr. Suresh Kotak, founder of Kotak Commodities, takes the reins of the Puneri Paltan Table Tennis franchise. With a vision to promote a vibrant sporting culture in India, InsureKot Sports Pvt. Ltd has established teams across multiple leagues, and now they set their sights on elevating the status of table tennis in the country. The Puneri Paltan Table Tennis team is poised to scale new heights and make their mark in UTT Season 4.
6. U Mumba TT
Owned by: Unilazer Ventures Pvt. Ltd; Unilazer Ventures Pvt. Ltd, is led by Ronnie Screwvala, a philanthropist and movie producer. Recently, they welcomed Suhail Chandhok, a renowned sports broadcaster and entrepreneur, as their CEO. With a strong presence in the kabaddi league as well, as the owners of U Mumba, U Mumba TT aims to build on their semifinalist finish in UTT Season 3. With a focus on uncovering young talent and leveraging their experience, the franchise aspires to leave a lasting impact in the league.
These visionary owners bring their unique perspectives, expertise, and dedication to the UTT arena, driving the sport forward and shaping the future of table tennis in India.
Rising Stars and International Powerhouses: Unveiling the Spectacular Lineup of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 4
Let’s dive into the lineup of the formidable squads:
First up, we have the Bengaluru Smashers, led by none other than the sensational Manika Batra, whose fiery skills will undoubtedly set the court ablaze. Next, we have the Chennai Lions, commanded by the mighty Sharath Kamal, whose experience and finesse make him a force to be reckoned with.
Next up we move to the Dabang Delhi TTC, steered by the talented G Sathiyan, whose lightning-fast reflexes and strategic genius make him a formidable opponent. Prepare for an onslaught of power as the Goa Challengers bring their A-game to the table, showcasing the best of their lineup.
Don’t underestimate the Puneri Paltan Table Tennis, as they prove their mettle with a squad that’s ready to dominate. And finally, we have U Mumba TT, led by the rising star Manav Thakkar, who is set to leave a lasting impression with his exceptional skills.
While Batra, Kamal, Sathiyan, and Thakkar were retained by their respective franchises, the anticipation was at an all-time high during the Player Draft held in June, where the rest of the squads were formed. Each team strategically selected their roster, ensuring an electrifying mix of talent and tactics.
Mics, cameras and the stars align✨🏓
— Ultimate Table Tennis (@UltTableTennis) July 12, 2023
All the ⭐️s in a frame at the IndianOil UTT pre-season press conference! 🎙️#TheRallyContinues #UltimateTableTennis #TableTennis #EveryTableIsAPlayground #HarTablePlayground #UTTonJioCinema #UTTonSports18 pic.twitter.com/YPCWqeupLs
So, buckle up and get ready to cheer on your favorite teams as these extraordinary athletes go head-to-head in the quest for glory. It’s time to witness the clash of the table tennis titans in UTT Season 4! Here’s a full list of the awe-inspiring squads:
- Bengaluru Smashers
- Chennai Lions
- Dabang Delhi TTC
- Goa Challengers
- Puneri Paltan Table Tennis
- U Mumba TT
Witness an extraordinary display of talent as the Indian contingent takes center stage in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 4. With recent remarkable performances at the WTT Contenders and the highly anticipated Asian Games just around the corner in September, all eyes are on these exceptional Indian players.
Leading the charge are the retained stars Sharath Kamal, G Sathiyan, Manika Batra, and Manav Thakkar, who have become the poster players for the league. Sharath Kamal, at the age of 41, has his sights set on UTT as both a preparation ground for the Asian Games and the starting point for his journey towards the Paris Olympics, scheduled exactly a year later.
The Indian players are in scintillating form, as seen with Sutirtha Mukherjee from the Chennai Lions and Ayhika Mukherjee from Dabang Delhi, who clinched the doubles title at the WTT Contender in Tunis last month. Harmeet Desai, who recently stunned higher-ranked Asian players to claim bronze at the WTT Contender in Lagos, will be a formidable force representing the Goa Challengers.
Keep an eye out for Sreeja Akula, the national champion and standout player from the Commonwealth Games last year, who will be an integral part of the Delhi Dabang team.
Joining the fray are prominent international players such as Nigerian veteran Quadri Aruna (WR 16), the USA’s Lily Zhang (WR 24) – who made history as the youngest player to join the USA women’s national team at the age of 12 – and Omar Assar (WR 22), the second African player ever to reach the quarterfinals of the World Table Tennis Championship earlier this year.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. The young and promising Indian talents are set to make their mark. Keep a close watch on Payas Jain from the Chennai Lions, the 19-year-old prodigy who holds the distinction of being the only Indian to secure three medals in the Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis Championship, and Diya Chitale from U Mumba, the 20-year-old sensation who has already represented India at the Commonwealth Games and boasts two medals from the WTT Youth Contender tournaments.
Intense Battles and Nail-Biting Showdowns: Unveiling the Competition Format of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 4
The competition format that will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 4. Let’s dive into the gripping details:
Each tie will consist of five intense matches, following a captivating sequence. It all starts with the Men’s Singles, followed by the Women’s Singles, then the exhilarating Mixed Doubles. The excitement continues with another round of Men’s Singles, concluding with the Women’s Singles showdown. In order to add an extra layer of strategy, four different players must participate in the singles matches, leaving two players from that group available for the crucial Mixed Doubles match.
Each match will be played in three thrilling games, with the first player to reach 11 points claiming victory. However, if the score is tied at 10-all, get ready for the heart-pounding Golden Point, where a single point will determine the winner. With a total of 15 games in each tie, the ultimate victor will be decided based on the number of total games won.
Prepare for a whirlwind of action as a total of 18 matches unfold among the six fiercely competitive franchise teams. The League Stage will witness a fierce battle as all the franchise teams face off against each other once. Brace yourself for a thrilling daily dose of table tennis from July 13 to 27.
As the League Stage concludes, the top four ranked teams will progress to the semifinals, scheduled for July 28 and 29. The anticipation will reach its peak as these teams give it their all in a bid to secure a spot in the highly anticipated final showdown. The ultimate climax of UTT Season 4 will take place on July 30, where the two finalists will battle it out for glory.
Legends of the Past: Champions of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Seasons
Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the champions of past seasons in Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT). These teams left an indelible mark with their exceptional performances and emerged as the worthy title holders. Here are the past champions:
- 2017: Falcons TTC soared to victory in the inaugural season, showcasing their prowess and skill on the table tennis court. Their stellar performances led them to lift the coveted UTT trophy, cementing their place in UTT history.
- 2018: The following year, it was Dabang Delhi TTC that took center stage and triumphed as the champions. With their unwavering determination and tactical brilliance, they clinched the title, etching their name in the UTT hall of fame.
- 2019: The Chennai Smashers left an indelible mark in UTT Season 3, dominating their opponents with their incredible talent. Led by their exceptional players, they displayed their finesse and determination, ultimately emerging victorious as the champions of the season.
Catch Every Thrilling Moment of UTT Season 4 on Sports 18, Jio Cinema, and Voot
You won’t miss a single second of the thrilling matches, thanks to the live broadcast on Sports 18, your go-to destination for sporting spectacles.
But wait, there’s more! For those who prefer streaming their favorite sports events on the go, Jio Cinema has got you covered. You can tune in to the live stream of UTT Season 4 and immerse yourself in the heart-pounding table tennis battles anytime, anywhere.
In addition to Sports 18 and Jio Cinema, Voot, as part of the esteemed Jio Network, is also expected to stream the enthralling tournament. This means you’ll have another fantastic option to catch all the action-packed moments of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 4.
