Big Money Moves and Rising Indian Stars Headline UTT Season 7 Auction

The Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7 auction delivered a mix of aggressive bidding, strategic squad building, and growing investment in Indian talent as franchises finalised their teams ahead of the 2026 campaign. 

Held in Mumbai on April 28, the auction saw franchises compete intensely for a blend of international stars and emerging domestic players, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most competitive editions of the league. With the tournament scheduled from July 9 to July 26 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, all seven franchises completed their six-player squads consisting of two foreign playersone male and one female and four Indian players.

Bernadette Szocs Becomes the Biggest Buy

The headline signing of the auction was Romanian star Bernadette Szocs, who emerged as the most expensive player of the day. Dempo Goa Challengers secured her services for Rs 40 lakh, making a strong statement about their ambitions for the upcoming season. Known for her aggressive attacking game and experience on the international circuit, Szocs adds immediate quality and star power to the Goa lineup. Her signing reflects the growing willingness of franchises to invest heavily in proven international performers capable of shifting matches single-handedly.

While international names attracted attention, the auction also highlighted the rising value of Indian paddlers. Diya Chitale was among the biggest Indian signings, joining PBG Pune Jaguars for Rs 37.40 lakh. The young Indian star continues to establish herself as one of the country’s most promising talents, and her price reflected both current form and long-term potential. On the men’s side, Manush Shah was snapped up by U Mumba for Rs 37.20 lakh, making him one of the top buys of the auction. His consistency across domestic and international competitions has made him one of the most sought-after Indian players in the circuit.

Meanwhile, Manav Thakkar also attracted major attention, securing a deal worth Rs 36 lakh.

Several franchises focused on strengthening their squads with international experience. Sofia Polcanova was acquired by Ahmedabad SG Pipers for Rs 27.20 lakh, while Dabang Delhi brought in Spain’s Maria Xiao for the same amount. U Mumba strengthened further by signing Anna Hursey for Rs 22.80 lakh, adding youth and international pedigree to their roster.

These signings underline how UTT continues to attract globally recognised players, enhancing both the quality and visibility of the league.

https://www.indiasportshub.com/articles/star-returns-and-strategic-choices-set-stage-for-high-stakes-utt-season-7-auction

One of the most notable moments of the auction was the signing of Divyanshi Bhowmick by Dabang Delhi for Rs 10.40 lakh. She became the youngest player signed in the history of the UTT auction, highlighting the league’s growing emphasis on nurturing next-generation Indian talent. Similarly, Dempo Goa Challengers invested in emerging talent by securing Syndrela Das for Rs 17 lakh.

The increasing demand for young Indian players reflects a broader shift in Indian table tennis, where franchises are looking beyond established names and building long-term squads around rising prospects. Before the auction, several teams retained their core players, ensuring continuity within their setupsManika Batra remained with Ahmedabad SG Pipers for Rs 27 lakh, while G. Sathiyan was retained by Dabang Delhi TTC for the same amount. Their presence gives both franchises experienced leaders capable of delivering under pressure.

Other notable retentions included Akash Paul by U Mumba and Ankur Bhattacharjee by Kolkata Thunderbolts.

UP Prometheans Add New Dynamic

The addition of UP Prometheans as the newest franchise adds another layer of intrigue to Season 7. The team moved actively in the auction and secured players such as Sayali Wani, signalling intent to compete immediately. The league’s expansion is another indicator of UTT’s growth and increasing commercial relevance within Indian sport.

Since its launch, Ultimate Table Tennis has gradually evolved into one of India’s most professionally structured domestic leagues outside cricket. The 2026 auction further reinforced that growth. The aggressive bidding for Indian players demonstrates how the league is contributing to the professional ecosystem of Indian table tennis. Young athletes now have greater financial security, increased exposure, and opportunities to compete alongside world-class players. For international stars, UTT continues to offer a competitive environment and growing global visibility. With squads finalised, attention now shifts toward the upcoming season in Goa. Several franchises appear evenly matched on paper, suggesting a tightly contested tournament.

Dempo Goa Challengers, U Mumba, Ahmedabad SG Pipers, and PBG Pune Jaguars all strengthened significantly during the auction, while established stars and emerging players are expected to shape the narrative of the season. The UTT Season 7 auction showcased the league’s growing stature, both financially and competitively. From record bids for international stars to rising investments in Indian youth, the auction reflected the evolution of table tennis in India.

As the countdown to July begins, franchises now move from planning to preparation, with fans set to witness another season featuring a blend of global excellence and India’s emerging generation of paddlers.