UTT 2026: New Teams, Star Signings and Fresh Rivalries Set Stage for Season 7
The paddles are ready, the squads are finalised and the countdown has begun for Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7.
India's premier franchise table tennis league will return from July 9 to 26 at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Goa, promising another exciting chapter in the growth of the sport across the country. This season will feature seven teams battling for the title, with newcomers UP Prometheans replacing the Chennai franchise and adding a fresh dimension to the competition.
The auction witnessed several high-profile retentions, major transfers and the arrival of new international stars, setting the stage for what could be one of the most competitive editions in UTT history.
As things stand, defending champions U Mumba TT enter the season as the team to beat. The Mumbai-based franchise has retained a strong core and once again boasts one of the most balanced squads in the competition. The presence of Indian star Manush Shah, who has enjoyed an excellent run on the international circuit, gives the team a reliable match-winner capable of delivering points consistently.
Alongside him are Welsh sensation Anna Hursey and French paddler Lilian Bardet, forming a squad that appears well-equipped across both singles and doubles categories.
Perhaps the biggest strength of U Mumba lies in its balance. Unlike several rivals who rely heavily on one or two stars, the defending champions possess depth across the roster and a coaching setup that has already demonstrated its tactical strength.
Among the strongest challengers could be PBG Pune Jaguars. The franchise has built its campaign around a powerful Indian core led by Diya Chitale and Snehit Suravajjula. Their potential mixed doubles partnership could become one of the most dangerous combinations in the league.
Adding further firepower are experienced international stars Omar Assar and Prithika Pavade. Both players bring extensive experience at the highest level and could prove decisive in pressure situations.
Unlike some teams that rely heavily on foreign recruits, Pune's strength lies in the quality of its Indian contingent, making them one of the most balanced teams in the competition.
Playing in front of their home crowd, Dempo Goa Challengers will have ambitions of reclaiming the title. The franchise made one of the headline moves of the auction by bringing back Alvaro Robles, a player with previous success in the league. However, the biggest attraction remains Bernadette Szocs.
The Romanian star was the highest-valued player at the auction and enters the season as arguably the most dominant individual player in the competition. On her day, Szocs has the ability to defeat virtually anyone in the league. Combined with Robles and emerging talents such as Syndrela Das, Goa possess a squad capable of producing explosive performances, particularly with the backing of local supporters.
The biggest storyline of the season is the arrival of UP Prometheans. Replacing the Chennai franchise, the newcomers have assembled a squad that immediately looks capable of challenging established teams. Manav Thakkar headlines the roster and will be expected to lead the franchise both in singles and doubles. His partnership options with Yangzi Liu could become a major weapon.
The addition of Ricardo Walter and Swastika Ghosh further strengthens the team, making UP one of the most intriguing sides entering the competition.
As with many expansion teams, chemistry will be a key factor, but on paper they possess enough quality to emerge as genuine dark horses.
One of the most welcome stories of the auction was the return of Manika Batra. After missing the previous season because of injury concerns, India's biggest table tennis star is back and will represent Ahmedabad APL Pipers. Manika's presence alone elevates the profile of the franchise. Joining her are promising Indian talent Payas Jain and Belgium's Adrien Rassenfosse.
With Manika gradually rediscovering form on the international circuit, Ahmedabad will hope she can inspire a deep playoff run.
Dabang Delhi TTC once again boasts a squad rich in experience. Led by G Sathian, the team also features Sutirtha Mukherjee, Maria Xiao and Youssef Abdelaziz. While the roster may not appear as explosive as some rivals on paper, Delhi's experience and previous success in the league make them dangerous opponents.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Thunder Blades could quietly emerge as one of the strongest teams in the tournament. The Bengal-based franchise features rising Indian stars Ankur Bhattacharjee and Ayhika Mukherjee alongside international players Zeng Jian and Eduard Ionescu.
Despite never reaching the title round in previous editions, Kolkata arguably possesses one of its strongest squads yet. Beyond the battle for the trophy, UTT continues to play a vital role in Indian table tennis. The league provides young Indian players exposure to world-class competition while allowing them to learn directly from elite international athletes. Talents such as Dibyanshi Bhowmik, Payas Jain and Ankush will once again benefit from competing alongside established stars.
With seven teams set to play each other in a round-robin format before the top four advance to the playoffs, every match will carry significance.
From the return of Manika Batra and the arrival of UP Prometheans to the title defence of U Mumba TT, Season 7 promises compelling storylines across the board. As table tennis continues to grow in popularity across India, UTT 2026 looks set to provide another major boost to the sport's development and visibility.
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