The 2025-26 domestic table tennis season is set to launch in grand fashion as the UTT National Ranking Table Tennis Championships kick off tomorrow at the SAMA Indoor Stadium Complex. With a staggering 1,549 players competing across 12 categories and an all-time high of 2,587 entries, the event has already made headlines for becoming the most subscribed national ranking tournament in Indian table tennis history.
This overwhelming response signals a booming competitive ecosystem in the country, a testament to the growing appeal of the sport across age groups, institutions, and states. More importantly, it sets the stage for a season opener brimming with intensity, high-stakes matchups, and a glimpse into India’s deepening talent pool.
Senior Stars to Set the Tone
The championship begins with the Senior Men’s and Women’s categories, offering fans an early look at the country’s finest paddlers. In the men’s section, all top-eight ranked players are in action a rarity that promises fireworks right from the opening rounds.
Among them, local favourite Manush Shah (RBI), who leads the domestic rankings with 375 points, will look to capitalize on home support. Yet, despite his national standing, the top seed goes to Manav Thakkar, the highest-ranked Indian globally at World No. 43, also from Gujarat. Their presence will likely ignite an intra-state rivalry, especially with veteran Harmeet Desai, another homegrown star, joining the fray.
The men’s draw is stacked, featuring names like G. Sathiyan, Ankur Bhattacharjee, Payas Jain, SFR Snehit, Akash Pal, and Divyansh Srivastava all within the top national bracket. Rising stars such as PB Abhinand, Jas Modi, and Sarth Mishra will be aiming to cause early upsets, while veterans Anthony Amalraj and Sourav Saha bring experience and grit into the mix.
Diya Leads the Charge in Women’s Draw
The women’s section too boasts a strong field. Reigning national champion Diya Chitale (RBI) starts as the top seed after a solid domestic season and will be the player to beat. However, the absence of Sreeja Akula (RBI) currently one of India’s top international performers—opens up the draw for challengers to stake early claims.
Diya will be tested by an exciting mix of form and firepower in players like Yashaswini Ghorpade, Swastika Ghosh, Taneesha Kotecha, and Syndrela Das, all fresh from international circuits. Seasoned campaigners Sutirtha Mukherjee and Reeth Rishya add depth and unpredictability, while the upcoming Under-19 Girls category starting post Senior qualifications is likely to further spice up the competition.
Junior Categories and Grassroots Depth
It’s not just the seniors who’ll draw attention. The sheer number of entries in junior categories U-17, U-15, U-13, and U-11 demonstrates the sport’s rapid expansion at the grassroots. The volume and quality of players emerging from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities underscores the effectiveness of development programs, academies, and federation initiatives in building a broader competitive base.
As these young talents rub shoulders with the senior elite or battle it out amongst themselves, this championship becomes more than just a tournament it becomes a window into the future of Indian table tennis.
Flawless Execution Behind the Scenes
Behind this massive logistical undertaking is a well-oiled team led by tournament director N. Ganeshan and a team of experienced technical officials. Veteran referee A.S. Kler, along with Mangesh Mopkar and K.R. Manjunatha, will oversee the conduct of matches, supported by 70 qualified umpires.
Matches will be held across 24 Stiga tables, using Stiga Perform balls, ensuring international-level playing conditions for all age groups. This infrastructure will be crucial in managing a tight schedule that may stretch beyond planned timelines due to the overwhelming number of matches, particularly during early rounds.
While this presents logistical challenges, it also reflects the magnitude of interest and enthusiasm surrounding the event.
Organisers Ready for a Marathon
The Table Tennis Association of Baroda, in coordination with the Competition Department of TTFI, has left no stone unturned in managing this colossal opening act. With entries exceeding expectations, organizers are preparing for extended match hours and tight turnarounds, particularly during the early stages of qualification.
For players, this means an early test of physical and mental stamina. For coaches and officials, it’s a challenge of strategic player management and efficient scheduling. But for the fans, it’s a treat non-stop table tennis action featuring the country’s best, upcoming, and most promising talents.
A Season of Opportunity Begins
As the 2025-26 season begins, this opening championship is more than just a competitive event it’s a marker of momentum. With packed draws, national stars, rising talents, and a record-breaking number of entries, Vadodara is set to witness a thrilling start to what promises to be a defining year for Indian table tennis.
From top seeds defending their dominance to rookies chasing recognition, and institutions like RBI, PSPB, and Railways renewing their rivalries, the opening week is poised to shape early narratives and perhaps even long-term trajectories for the rest of the season.
Let the games begin.
