Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) has added an eighth franchise to the league’s roster with the announcement of the SG Sports and Entertainment (SGSE) Pvt. Ltd-owned unit that will represent the vibrant city of Ahmedabad.

The franchise-based league, promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), continues to grow as SGSE — a strategic arm of the APL Apollo Group, comes on board after a successful fourth edition in July last year. The team will be known as Ahmedabad SG Pipers.

“We are delighted to welcome SGSE and the APL Apollo Group to the UTT family. The success of Indian table tennis stars on the international circuit and the popularity of UTT among players and fans has only made the league stronger over the years. UTT is committed to promoting the game of table tennis and this expansion marks an exciting chapter in the league’s growth as it will help us spread the game to a new region,” UTT co-promoters Bajaj and Dani said in a joint comment.

With multiple Grand Slam champion Mahesh Bhupathi as their CEO, SG Sports and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd, focuses on supporting and nurturing sporting talent in the country. The company has already been part of the chess and tennis league, and will now look to contribute to the growth of Indian table tennis with their association with UTT.

“Ultimate Table Tennis is the premier table tennis competition in the nation and they are able to showcase both homegrown and international talent at the elite level. We at SGSE are excited that we have the opportunity to participate in the growth of the sport. I am sure the presence of our team — Ahmedabad will make the upcoming edition of the league more competitive and entertaining,” said Bhupathi.

Ahmedabad SG Pipers will join Jaipur Patriots, who entered the UTT fray in August 2023. The two franchises will make their debuts when the league gets underway for its fifth season later this year. Bengaluru Smashers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Goa Challengers, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis and U Mumba TT are the other six teams in the league.

Launched in 2017 with an aim to revolutionise table tennis in India, UTT brings the world’s top paddlers to India and offers an unparalleled experience not just for the players but also for the fans. The league has witnessed Indian players registering some of the most significant victories of their careers and carrying the confidence onto the international circuit.

The Indian team’s historic qualification at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games is a testament to the growth of the sport in the country. India’s men’s and women’s teams recently qualified for the Olympic Games through the world team rankings for the first time since the event was included at the 2008 Olympics.