India’s premier table tennis league, Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), is set to return for its highly anticipated sixth season, taking place from May 29 to June 15, 2025. In a first, Ahmedabad will play host to the tournament, marking a significant milestone in the city’s growing reputation as a sporting hub.
Ahmedabad: The New Sporting Destination
Ahmedabad has been making strides in the sports industry, with world-class infrastructure positioning it as a potential host for global events, including the 2030 Youth Olympics and the 2036 Olympic Games. UTT’s arrival in the city further cements Ahmedabad’s status as a premier sporting destination in India.
The tournament will take place at the state-of-the-art EKA Arena, a venue known for hosting high-profile sporting events, including the 2016 Kabaddi World Cup and the 2019 Intercontinental Cup (football).
Format and Competition
UTT is one of India’s longest-running franchise-based sports leagues, and Season 6 promises to be a thrilling battle featuring eight teams comprised of a mix of top Indian and international table tennis stars.
The tournament will be structured as follows:
- Eight teams divided into two groups
- Each team will play five ties during the group stage
- Top four teams advance to the knockout rounds
- Final showdown set for June 15
- Each tie will feature five matches: two women’s singles, two men’s singles, and one mixed doubles
Defending champions, Goa Challengers, will be aiming for a historic third title, adding to the high stakes of the season.
UTT’s Contribution to Indian Table Tennis
Launched in 2017, UTT has played a pivotal role in transforming Indian table tennis by providing a platform for emerging stars to compete alongside world-class talent. The league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the aegis of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), has raised the standard of the sport in India.
Key Stakeholder Reactions
Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani, the key figures behind UTT, expressed their enthusiasm for the league’s expansion to Ahmedabad:
“Ahmedabad is rapidly emerging as a hub for Olympic sports, and bringing UTT here is a step toward further strengthening that growth. We are thrilled to bring the excitement of top-tier table tennis to this vibrant city, contributing to India’s journey toward becoming a global sporting powerhouse.”
Kamlesh Mehta, Secretary of TTFI, praised the league’s impact and Ahmedabad’s sporting potential:
“Each UTT season raises the bar for competition, helping the sport grow at both grassroots and elite levels. Ahmedabad, with its robust sporting infrastructure and experience in hosting major events, is a fitting destination for Season 6.”
With Ahmedabad set to host UTT for the first time, Season 6 is shaping up to be a landmark event for Indian table tennis. As the city continues to position itself as a key player in global sports, the arrival of Ultimate Table Tennis adds another feather to its cap, paving the way for greater opportunities in the future.
