The Tau Devi Lal Multipurpose Indoor Stadium is gearing up for a frenetic week as the fourth UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships serve off on Sunday.
More than 1,600 paddlers across 12 divisions have arrived in Haryana’s sporting hub, each chasing ranking points, podium finishes, and the momentum that can transform a season. Even as Panchkula’s unpredictable November chill keeps athletes on their toes, enthusiasm on the ground remains unmistakably high. Entries have swelled past 2,500, reflecting the sport’s deepening competitive base. From the humid coasts of Kerala to the crowded corridors of Kolkata and the powerful training centres of Gujarat and Maharashtra, athletes have poured into Panchkula believing this could be their breakthrough week.
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If northern paddlers enjoy familiar winter conditions, the rest see the weather as simply another variable to master another challenge on the path to national glory.
This year’s draw has shifted significantly following the withdrawal of several leading names. Manav Thakkar’s participation remains uncertain following his recent illness. Indore men’s champion Ankur Bhattacharjee, Delhi women’s winner Diya Chitale, and U-17 star Riana Bhoota have all pulled out, altering the complexion of the competition. Yet, far from dampening excitement, their absence has widened the field. It is now an open canvas for hungry competitors eager to disrupt the status quo and announce themselves on the national circuit.
Among Haryana’s hopefuls, the spotlight will fall squarely on Suhana Saini, who arrives determined to capitalise on home conditions and erase the disappointment of Indore. The local crowd will expect her to mount a deep run, but the week ahead offers no easy passages.
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The opening day promises a burst of youthful energy, with the U-11 and U-13 events kicking off proceedings. The next wave will come from the U-15 and U-17 qualifiers, before attention shifts to the older brackets. As the tournament progresses, the intensity will build toward the marquee events: the U-19, followed by the senior men’s and women’s divisions, where India’s established names and rising forces will collide.
In the men’s section, the title race features a strong trio of headliners Manush Shah, G. Sathiyan, and Harmeet Desai, the latter still seeking to rebound after his early loss to Ankur in Indore. Their presence ensures high-quality matchups, but the draw remains unpredictable. India’s junior pipeline continues to push hard, with the likes of P.B. Abhinand, Priyanuj Bhattacharyya, Kushal Chopda, and Punit Biswas capable of unsettling seeded players and dragging the tournament into fresh narratives.
The women’s draw reflects a similar balance of pedigree and youthful ambition. Sutirtha Mukherjee returns as the most experienced contender, but she faces a growing list of challengers in Syndrela Das, Divyanshi Bhowmick, and M. Hansini. All three have made significant strides over the past season and enter Panchkula believing they belong in the final weekend conversations.
The tournament structure underscores the expanding depth of Indian table tennis. Both the men’s and women’s main draws feature 128 competitors each, with 16 seeds in the men’s bracket and no byes, while the women’s draw offers an equal number of direct entries alongside a handful of byes. Beyond the senior categories, the breadth of participation is eye-catching three full draws of 128 players across age groups, reflecting the sport’s widening grassroots footprint and the rising intensity of domestic competition.
The event’s organisational backbone is equally strong. Under the guidance of Competition Manager N. Ganeshan and veteran referee A.S. Kler, supported by deputy referees Vipin Mehra and Nalin Somani, the championships promise smooth execution and adherence to international standards.
A team of 60 certified officials, including Blue Badge, international, and national umpires, will ensure accuracy and fairness across all courts. With 22 Stag Global tables, professional Stag flooring, and approved match balls, the infrastructure is primed for a week of fast, high-quality, precision-driven table tennis. As athletes settle in and the first balls are served, the stakes are unmistakably high. Panchkula offers ranking points, momentum, and the opportunity to reshape careers. For some, it is a chance to consolidate dominance. For others, it is a rare opening to step out of the shadows and make noise in a crowded, competitive landscape.
What is certain is that the intensity will rise as the week unfolds. With seasoned professionals facing off against fearless juniors, and with the draws wide open due to key withdrawals, the stage is set for a tournament rich in storylines.
Panchkula is ready and India’s best are rallying for their shot at glory.
