In a landmark move that promises to reshape the future of table tennis in India, the International Table Tennis Federation’s events division, World Table Tennis (WTT), has launched WTT India. The initiative, finalized earlier this month, positions India alongside global powerhouses like China, the USA, Germany, Singapore, and Japan, which already have domestic WTT operations.
The establishment of WTT India marks a major leap in India’s efforts to become a key hub for international table tennis. The goal is to host more high-profile, world-ranking tournaments and, potentially, marquee events such as WTT Champions, WTT Smash, and even the World Championships.
“You will start to see more WTT events and more international events,” said Steve Dainton, Group CEO of ITTF, to Sportstar. “Eventually, in the next few years, you will start to see some of our bigger events coming here… hopefully even World Championships and big events on that scale.”
Integral to this vision are prominent Indian figures in the sport. A. Sharath Kamal, the recently retired legend, joins WTT India as its brand ambassador. Vita Dani, co-promoter of the Ultimate Table Tennis league and ITTF governing council member, will serve on the board of directors.
Sharath expressed optimism about his new role. “This moment feels like the turning of a page. The sport has come so far in India, and now, with the WTT officially here, we have the chance to elevate it like never before,” he said. “I am proud to represent this next phase—not just as a player, but also as someone who truly believes in the potential of Indian table tennis.”
India currently hosts two WTT events annually—a Star Contender and a Youth Contender. That number is expected to double within the next year, thanks to the new partnership.
Dani highlighted the strategic timing of the venture: “I am hoping that we as a country are able to host 2036, and if that is the case, then this would be an ideal roadmap to lead up to the Olympics in India. I don’t think we can ask for a better opportunity than this.”
She added, “India has done exceedingly well in the last seven to eight years… The WTT partnership will bring a lot of value to us, and it’s important for us as a country to have a partnership like this.”
With a dedicated domestic entity and a renewed global focus, Indian table tennis appears poised for an exciting and transformative decade ahead.
