India becomes a strategic pillar in WTT’s international vision, with a new entity aimed at delivering elite events and building pathways for Indian players.
In a landmark step for the sport in the country, World Table Tennis (WTT) has officially launched WTT Event Management India Private Limited (“WTT India”), a dedicated local entity aimed at driving the growth of table tennis in India. The new body will focus on delivering world-class events, creating structured development pathways for Indian athletes, and expanding the sport’s fan and commercial base across the region.
This move marks a significant milestone in WTT’s global strategy, positioning India as a key market in its expanding international calendar. WTT India will be the central hub for staging elite-level senior and junior competitions while working closely with stakeholders to foster local talent and boost grassroots participation.
India’s growing enthusiasm for Olympic sports and increased support from institutions have provided fertile ground for such an initiative. Table tennis, in particular, has seen a surge, with Indian players making deeper runs in international competitions and commanding attention on the world stage.
Since its inception in 2021, WTT has rapidly transformed table tennis into a premium global product. With tournaments held across Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Middle East, and broadcast in over 180 territories, WTT has built a year-round circuit anchored in innovation, high-quality production, and digital storytelling.
Steve Dainton, CEO of WTT and a central architect of the sport’s modern evolution, sees India as a major part of the federation’s future.
“India is one of the most exciting frontiers for table tennis,” said Dainton. “The passion is real. Infrastructure is developing. The talent pool is growing. With WTT India, we’re making a long-term investment to embed India into the global table tennis ecosystem in a meaningful and sustainable way.”
India’s engagement with WTT began with the WTT Star Contender Goa in 2023, followed by a successful return in 2024. This year, the event moved to Chennai with WTT Star Contender Chennai Presented by IndianOil, a move that further solidified WTT’s commitment to India and brought the event to one of the sport’s traditional strongholds.
Joining the board of WTT India is Vita Dani, Chairperson of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) and a well-known figure in Indian sports entrepreneurship. Dani also sits on the ITTF Foundation’s governing board and co-founded the Dani Foundation, which promotes physical literacy and grassroots sports in India.
“This is as much a passion project as it is a strategic opportunity,” said Dani. “With WTT India, we can channel international momentum into building a strong domestic base. Hosting world-class events here gives Indian players access to high-level competition on home turf and the experience they need to break through globally.”
To amplify the local connection and inspire young athletes, WTT India has appointed Sharath Kamal Achanta as its official ambassador. A multiple-time Commonwealth Games gold medallist and Olympic veteran, Sharath remains India’s most decorated table tennis player and a towering figure in the sport’s national narrative.
“This is a turning point for Indian table tennis,” said Sharath. “WTT’s formal presence in India takes things to a new level. We’ve come a long way, and now we have the structure to dream even bigger. I’m honoured to represent this new phase as a player and as someone deeply committed to the sport’s future in India.”
The launch of WTT India comes at a time when the global WTT calendar is rapidly expanding, with landmark events such as Grand Smashes in Asia, Champions events in Europe, and new additions like US Smash and Europe Smash in Sweden. India’s inclusion as a consistent host and development hub signals WTT’s commitment to building a more inclusive and globally integrated circuit.
More than just an event organiser, WTT India aims to be a catalyst for change bringing the highest level of the sport to Indian fans, giving Indian athletes access to world-class platforms, and creating sustainable growth through partnerships and local engagement.
With strong leadership, rising player momentum, and a long-term vision, WTT India is poised to play a transformative role in the future of Indian table tennis making the sport more visible, more accessible, and more aspirational than ever before.