The Ultimate Table Tennis league is gearing up for its fifth edition, set to take place between August 22 and September 7 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Chennai. The league, which was founded in 2017 by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the Table Tennis Federation of India’s wing, has grown in popularity over the years. The upcoming season will feature eight teams, including newcomers Jaipur Patriots and Ahmedabad SG Pipers.
Let’s take a closer look at the owners of the Ultimate Table Tennis 2024 franchises:
Ahmedabad SG Pipers – SG Sports and Entertainment Private Ltd.
The Gujarat-based side is one of the two newcomers in the upcoming season. The franchise is owned by SG Sports and Entertainment Private Limited, with support from the APL Apollo Group. Indian tennis great Mahesh Bhupathi serves as the CEO of the team.
Chennai Lions – Multiple co-owners
The Chennai Lions, who clinched their maiden UTT title in 2019, are co-owned by several individuals. The owners include S Rangarajan, Rekha Murthy Rangarajan, GS Ravi, and Vinay Chandra. The Lions finished as runners-up in the last edition, losing to the Goa Challengers.
Dabang Delhi TTC – DOIT Sports Management
Dabang Delhi TTC, the 2018 champion and 2019 runners-up, is owned by DOIT Sports Management. The company is led by directors Radha Kapoor Khanna and Roshini Kapoor. Radha also owns the Pro Kabaddi League franchise Dabang Delhi KC, which has been successful in the PKL.
Goa Challengers – Shrinivas Dempo, Vivek Bhargava
Defending champions Goa Challengers are co-owned by Shrinivas Dempo and Vivek Bhargava. Shrinivas Dempo, Chairman of the Dempo Group, brings his experience as a five-time football top-tier champion to the team.
Jaipur Patriots – World of Krida Private Ltd.
Joining the league as debutants, the Jaipur Patriots are owned by World of Krida Private Limited. The Mumbai-based company also owns several other sporting franchises across different leagues.
Bengaluru Smashers – Punit Balan
Film producer Punit Balan owns the Bengaluru Smashers under his PBG (Punit Balan Group) umbrella. He also owns several other sports teams in different leagues.
Puneri Paltan – InsureKot Sports Private Ltd.
The Puneri Paltan is owned by InsureKot Sports Private Limited, which also owns the Pro Kabaddi League franchise Puneri Paltan.
U Mumba – Unilazer Ventures Private Ltd.
U Mumba is owned by Unilazer Ventures Private Limited, with Suhail Chandhok serving as the CEO. The company also owns the Pro Kabaddi League team U Mumba and the Mumba Masters in the Global Chess League.
As the Ultimate Table Tennis league continues to grow, the ownership of the franchises adds an interesting dynamic to the competition. Fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead as these teams battle it out on the table tennis court in Chennai.