Stupa Sports Analytics and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) are proud to announce their collaboration with the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) to host the highly anticipated WTT Star Contender event in Chennai. Scheduled to take place from March 25 to March 30, 2025, this prestigious international table tennis tournament will be held at the iconic Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium, marking a historic first for Chennai as it welcomes a global table tennis event.

Tamil Nadu’s Deputy Chief Minister, Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin, expressed his excitement about the event, stating, “Hosting the WTT Star Contender in Chennai is a proud moment for Tamil Nadu and reaffirms our dedication to positioning the state as India’s premier sports destination. This event not only showcases our world-class infrastructure but also inspires our youth to embrace sports as a way of life. We welcome players from around the globe and are committed to making this event a grand success.”

Commenting on the collaboration, Mr. Deepak Malik, Co-founder & COO of Stupa Sports Analytics, said, “Hosting the WTT Star Contender in Chennai is a testament to India’s growing presence on the global table tennis stage. This event is not just an opportunity for Indian players to compete with the best but also a moment to inspire the next generation of athletes across Tamil Nadu and the country. We are thrilled to bring this world-class tournament to such a vibrant city.”

Mr. Kamlesh Mehta, Secretary General of TTFI, expressed his enthusiasm: “We, at TTFI, are very happy that such a prestigious international TT event is coming to India for the third year in a row. Hosting an international event of this magnitude in Chennai not only highlights the city’s passion for the sport and contribution to table tennis but also strengthens India’s position on the global table tennis map. We are excited to work with SDAT, Stupa, and UTT to make this a grand success.”

After two successful editions in Goa in 2023 and 2024, the WTT Star Contender returns to India with renewed vigor, promising a week of world-class table tennis and an electrifying atmosphere. The collaboration with SDAT highlights Tamil Nadu’s commitment to promoting sports and nurturing talent across disciplines.

This groundbreaking event underscores Chennai’s rich legacy in table tennis. Home to legendary players like Commonwealth Champion and Olympian Sharath Kamal, G. Sathiyan, Anthony Amalraj, and rising stars like Nityashree Mani, Chennai has been a cradle for Indian table tennis excellence. Hosting the WTT Star Contender in this city of champions is a tribute to Tamil Nadu’s longstanding contribution to the sport.

Commenting on the announcement, Sharath Kamal said, “For me personally, this tournament holds a special place in my heart as I played my very first international tournament as a junior in the same stadium. The memories of those early days continue to inspire my journey, and I’m incredibly excited to see the international spotlight shine on Chennai once again.”

The WTT Star Contender Chennai promises to be an exceptional event for both seasoned athletes and budding talents. It will not only provide unparalleled exposure for players but will also serve as a platform for fans to engage with the sport at the highest level. The tournament is set to further elevate the city’s longstanding table tennis culture and offer a unique experience for everyone involved.

This prestigious event will be a tremendous experience for all, and it is an excellent opportunity to showcase Chennai’s love and commitment to the sport of table tennis. We invite all fans, players, and stakeholders to join us in celebrating this milestone in Chennai’s sports history.

The WTT Star Contender is more than a sporting event; it is a platform for opportunities. Last year, the tournament played a pivotal role in Indian paddler Sreeja Akula’s historic qualification for the Olympics in the women’s singles category. This year, the event aims to further elevate Indian table tennis by providing local athletes with exposure to international competition and a chance to shine on a global stage. The partnership with SDAT ensures that this event not only entertains but also inspires the youth of Tamil Nadu to pursue excellence in sports.