WTT launches Indian entity to drive local talent, global integration
New Delhi [India], June 18 (ANI): In a landmark move for the development of table tennis in India, World Table Tennis (WTT) on Wednesday announced launch of WTT Event Management India Private Limited ('WTT India'), a new local entity aimed at delivering top-tier international events, strengthening pathways for Indian athletes, and deepening fan and commercial engagement across the country.
The new entity marks a significant step in WTT's mission to expand the sport globally while building strong local ecosystems. WTT India will serve as the anchor for high-performance elite and junior-level events and player development, bringing the world of professional table tennis closer to Indian athletes and audiences than ever before, as per a press release from WTT.
The move comes as Indian sport sees strong institutional backing and grassroots momentum, with table tennis gaining traction and a new generation of Indian players rising on the international stage.
Since its launch, WTT has rapidly evolved into a dynamic global sporting property, staging world-class events across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas. With a presence in over 180 broadcast territories, WTT has transformed table tennis into a year-round, premium sports spectacle, backed by elite venues, immersive production, and digital-first storytelling.
At the helm of this transformation is Steve Dainton, WTT Chief Executive Officer and one of the sport's most influential global figures. Since becoming CEO of the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) in 2017, Dainton has played a pivotal role in transforming the sport's global growth, most notably as the driving force behind the conceptualisation of WTT since 2019 and its launch in 2021. His leadership continues to drive WTT's expansion into new markets, with India now firmly part of that global trajectory.
As the WTT Series continues to scale with marquee events like the Grand Smashes in Asia, Champions events in Europe, and the debuts of US Smash and Europe Smash in Sweden, the launch of WTT India comes at an opportune moment, positioning India at the heart of WTT's next phase of strategic global expansion.
'India represents one of the most exciting frontiers for table tennis globally,' said Dainton. 'The passion is there. The infrastructure is coming. The player base is growing. With WTT India, we're now fully invested in building a long-term ecosystem that's good for India, and good for the game. It's about establishing a presence, creating new opportunities, and integrating India into the very fabric of our global calendar and community.'
WTT's presence in India began with the WTT Star Contender Goa in 2023, followed by a successful return in 2024. In 2025, the event took a bold step forward with WTT Star Contender Chennai, elevating the event further in a city steeped in the sport's heritage.
Also joining the Board is Vita Dani, one of India's leading sports entrepreneurs and Chairperson of Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT). A long-time advocate for athlete development and grassroots investment, Dani also serves on the governing board of the ITTF Foundation and co-founded Dani Sports Foundation, a non-profit advancing physical literacy and sports education across India.
'This is a passion project as much as it is a strategic one,' said Dani. 'WTT India gives us the platform to channel international energy into a local movement. We have the talent, the ambition, and now the structure to dream bigger and deliver. More Indian players will now have the chance to compete in world-class events on home soil, by experiencing the WTT stage up close, and using it as a springboard to the global circuit. That kind of exposure can be game-changing.'
Supporting this next chapter is Sharath Kamal Achanta, India's most celebrated table tennis player, who has been appointed as WTT India's official ambassador. A multiple-time Commonwealth Games champion and Olympic veteran, Achanta brings with him decades of experience on the international circuit and an enduring presence in the Indian sporting landscape.
'This moment feels like the turning of a page,' said Achanta. 'The sport has come so far in India, and now, with WTT officially here, we have the chance to elevate it like never before. I'm proud to represent this next phase--not just as a player, but as someone who truly believes in the potential of Indian table tennis.'
As WTT accelerates its global expansion, India emerges as a key pillar in shaping the future of modern table tennis. The launch of WTT India marks a defining chapter in this journey that's driven by purpose, powered by passion, and strengthened through strategic partnerships. (ANI)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
19 minutes ago
- Time of India
Electric two-wheelers in India: the affordable choice over petrol bikes
If you're still riding a petrol two-wheeler in India, you might be paying more than you need to. A new report by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) finds that electric two-wheelers are already the most affordable ride on the road—costing just ₹1.48 per kilometre, compared to ₹2.46/km for petrol models. That's not a small difference—it's a financial win for millions of Indian riders, from students to gig workers and city commuters. And with India expected to see over 350 million two-wheelers by 2050 (nearly 70% of the automobile market), that cost advantage could have a massive impact on both household budgets and national fuel use. EVs take the lead The CEEW report highlights how electric vehicles, especially two- and three-wheelers, are already cost-competitive across key segments. In the case of two-wheelers, the numbers speak for themselves: Electric two-wheelers: ₹1.48/km Petrol two-wheelers: ₹2.46/km Beyond the fuel savings, EVs come with lower maintenance costs, longer lifespan, and growing support through governtment subsidies and incentives like the PM E-Drive Scheme. "Electric vehicles (EVs) are already cost-competitive across key segments—especially two- and three-wheelers, taxis, and private cars in states with supportive EV policies," said the report. Why this matters: Cleaner, cheaper, smarter With a growing push toward cleaner energy and reduced oil dependency, the affordability of EVs could become a powerful lever for change—especially in cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Bengaluru, and Ahmedabad, where vehicle density is highest. To make the most of this shift, CEEW recommends a three-pronged approach: expanding EV charging infrastructure , particularly in urban and peri-urban areas; improving financing models—such as EMIs or battery rental options—to make electric vehicles more accessible; and bridging data gaps through platforms like the VAHAN portal to enable smarter, more targeted policy and planning at the district level. "India's transport sector is grappling with a trifecta—energy security, congestion, and emissions. We need walkable, efficient, low-carbon urban transport systems," said Dr Himani Jain, Senior Programme Lead, CEEW. A massive market on the move In addition, the report noted that India's love affair with two-wheelers isn't ending anytime soon. By 2050, the number of two-wheelers on Indian roads is expected to soar to over 350 million, comprising nearly 70% of all vehicles in the country. This projection is based on GDP and population growth trends, and it underscores the central role of two-wheelers in India's transport ecosystem—especially in northern and western states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat
The Hindu
21 minutes ago
- The Hindu
Indian Archery League set for October launch
The much-anticipated franchise-based Indian Archery League is finally set to take off in October at the Yamuna Sports Complex in New Delhi with six city-based teams, Archery Association of India treasurer Joris Paulose Ummacheril confirmed on Tuesday. Initially conceptualised in 2020, the league had to be shelved due to lack of sponsors. However, the AAI has now secured sponsors and is currently in discussions with broadcasters, including Sony Sports and JioHotstar, to roll out the league this year. This will be the world's first franchise league in archery and the federation is hopeful of a strong response that will go a long way in developing Indian archers, who are still chasing their maiden Olympic medal. 'Everything will be finalised by the end of this month, and we are hopeful of launching the league in the October window. We are calling it Indian Archery League but the name is not yet finalised,' Jose told PTI. ALSO READ | Kisik Lee set to coach Indian recurve archers ahead of 2028 Olympics Three teams -- from Delhi, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru -- have already been finalised. The remaining franchises will be decided soon. Each franchise will adopt a city, depending on ownership and league plans. Each team will consist of eight archers -- four in recurve and four in compound -- with two men and two women in each category. It will be mandatory for each team to include two overseas archers, Joris said. 'We've seen how the IPL has revolutionised Indian cricket, and we are confident this league will do something similar for archery,' another AAI official said. Related Topics Archery
Business Standard
22 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Azzallure Unveils Sculptural Engagement Ring Collection in Response to Changing Bridal Preferences
PNN New Delhi [India], June 18: Azzallure, a custom jewellery design firm with headquarters in Dubai, has released a new collection of engagement rings with striking, sculpture-like patterns. The launch is part of a larger trend among women who are choosing rings that symbolise identity, change, and personal growth over traditional, delicate styles. From January 2024 to March 2025, Azzallure conducted internal client consultations and found that about 38% of new bridal inquiries asked for a non-traditional custom piece or a redesign of an existing engagement ring. Compared to 22% the year before, this represents a discernible increase. In contrast to the traditional solitaire or symmetrical halo rings, clients are increasingly choosing design elements like bold gold bands, offset or stacked diamond settings, and asymmetrical compositions. Previously regarded as unusual or niche, these design preferences are now creating a unique category within Azzallure's custom portfolio, especially among women between the ages of 30 and 45 who are looking for jewellery that fits with their changing identities and stages of life. "We at Azzallure have witnessed a significant change in the way that women view bridal jewellery. It now signifies personal growth rather than merely a relationship milestone. We have observed an increase in the number of customers who want rings that represent what they are today rather than their initial selves. These works are daring, deliberate, and intensely intimate. It is our privilege to translate their stories into timeless design--jewellery that doesn't just sparkle but speaks."Azzallure Chotani, Founder and CEO of Azzallure. Azzallure's findings are consistent with more general patterns in the Indian and international jewellery markets. Over 42% of urban female consumers indicated interest in customised or redesigned bridal jewellery, citing factors like personal development, lifestyle adjustments, or changing aesthetics, according to a 2024 report by the Jewellery Trends Council India. Women between the ages of 28 and 40 have a particularly strong preference for jewellery that strikes a balance between modern design and symbolic meaning. Unlike traditional engagement rings, which typically favour minimalism and symmetry, Azzallure's new line embraces form-forward silhouettes, irregular diamond placements, and a blend of materials including natural and lab-grown stones. Each piece is created through the brand's bespoke design process, which includes one-on-one consultations, CAD mockups, and handcrafted finishing. "We're designing for a generation that values meaning as much as aesthetics," said the Azzallure Chotani, Founder and CEO of Azzallure. "These women are not just choosing a ring--they're choosing a reflection of their journey, and our role is to bring that to life through thoughtful, personalised craftsmanship." The new engagement ring line reflects Azzallure's category-fluid design philosophy, which brings together natural diamonds, lab-grown stones, and high-end costume jewellery within a single curated platform. The brand aims to redefine traditional boundaries in bridal jewellery by offering designs that are emotionally resonant, stylistically diverse, and functionally versatile. Each custom piece, like lab diamond necklaces or engagement rings, is developed in close collaboration with clients, combining storytelling with material precision. The design process typically spans three to six weeks from consultation to delivery, ensuring both technical quality and symbolic relevance. About Azzallure Azzallure is a luxury diamond jewellery and bespoke brand based in Dubai, dedicated to designing and crafting exclusive, timeless pieces that inspire confidence and elegance. With a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship and personalised service, Azzallure offers a curated collection that blends natural diamonds, lab-grown stones, and high-end costume jewellery. The brand's category-fluid approach caters to modern women seeking jewellery that reflects both personal evolution and enduring style.
