Ultimate Table Tennis season 5 to start on August 22 in Chennai
The Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) 2024 is scheduled from August 22 to September 7, with all matches to be played at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium in Chennai. The tournament organizers announced the same on Wednesday, May 29, on their official website.
Season 5 of Ultimate Table Tennis will take place after the completion of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The franchise-based tournament for the sport will make its first appearance in the capital city of Tamil Nadu. The previous four editions were held in Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, and Pune.
The league will expand to eight teams, from what was six previously in UTT 2023, with the addition of Jaipur Patriots and Ahmedabad SG Pipers. Goa Challengers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, U Mumba TT, Bengaluru Smashers, and Puneri Paltans are the existing teams.
"The introduction of additional teams will infuse a heightened level of competition, strategically coinciding with the post-Paris Games period to capitalize on the prevailing Olympic fervour nationwide," Niraj Bajaj, co-promoter of UTT, stated.
"Moreover, the decision to host the league in Chennai pays tribute to the city's esteemed sporting heritage, which has produced numerous legendary paddlers, but also reinforces our commitment to honouring its illustrious legacy,” he added.
What's the format of Ultimate Table Tennis 2024?
With the number of teams increasing to eight, there will be a brand-new format for the Ultimate Table Tennis 2024. There will be two groups with four teams divided into each.
A team will play a total of five ties, including one with the teams clubbed in their respective groups. A team will also play two teams from the opposite groups determined by draws. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the semi-finals.
The matches and groups are yet to be announced along with the players and coaches. Goa Challengers are the defending champions of UTT, having defeated Chennai Lions in the final to claim their maiden title.