Mahesh Bhupathi enters TT arena as Ultimate Table Tennis announces Ahmedabad SG Pipers as eighth team – Firstpost

Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has added an eighth franchise to the league roster with the announcement of SG Sports and Entertainment (SGSE) Pvt. Ltd owned unit which will represent the vibrant city of Ahmedabad.

The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), continues to grow with the entry of SGSE, a strategic arm of the APL Apollo Group, after a fourth successful edition. in July last year. The team will be known as Ahmedabad SG Pipers.

“We are delighted to welcome SGSE and the APL Apollo group to the UTT family. The success of Indian table tennis stars on the international circuit and the popularity of UTT among players and fans has only strengthened the league over the years. UTT is committed to promoting table tennis and this expansion marks an exciting chapter in the growth of the league as it will help us expand the game to a new region,” said UTT co-promoters, Bajaj and Dani, in a joint comment.

With multiple Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi as CEO, SG Sports and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, focuses on supporting and developing sporting talents in the country. The company has already been part of the chess and tennis league and will now look to contribute to the growth of Indian table tennis through its association with UTT.

“Ultimate Table Tennis is the country’s premier table tennis competition and they are able to showcase local and international talent at the elite level. At SGSE, we are excited to have the opportunity to be a part of the growth of the sport. I am sure the presence of our team – Ahmedabad will make the next edition of the league more competitive and entertaining,” Bhupathi said.

Ahmedabad SG Pipers will join Jaipur Patriots, who entered the UTT fray in August 2023. Both franchises will make their debut when the league begins for its fifth season later this year. Bengaluru Smashers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Goa Challengers, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis and U Mumba TT are the other six teams in the league.

Launched in 2017 with the aim of revolutionizing table tennis in India, UTT brings the world’s best paddlers to India and offers an unparalleled experience not only to the players but also to the fans. The league has seen Indian players record some of the biggest wins of their careers and bring their confidence to the international circuit.

The historic qualification of the Indian team for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games demonstrates the growth of this sport in the country. The Indian men’s and women’s teams recently qualified for the Olympics through the world team rankings for the first time since the event was included in the 2008 Olympics.