TTFI set to launch professional TT league

In a bid to tap into the global appeal of the game, the Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI), in partnership with 11even sports, announced the formation of Indian Table Tennis League (ITTL) on Thursday.

The blueprint of the league, which expects to witness top players compete for Rs 1 crore in prize money, is still being worked upon. The International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF), too, has backed the idea and provided the league a special window in its annual calendar.

The inaugural season is scheduled from May 28 – June 12, 2016 and will feature eight franchisee’s with the four metros and corporate houses being targetted.  

President, TTFI, PC Cha­turvedi said that with initiatives such as the ITTL, National Inter Sch­ool championships, grassroots development programme and corporate table tennis events the ga­me is bound to witness interest among the masses.

“It is a great moment for the table tennis fraternity. We are targeting an Olympic medal by 2024 games,” Chaturvedi said.

After getting approval from the ITTF, the league is also looking to attract top-ranked players from China, Japan, Korea and a host of European nations.

Men’s national champion, Soumyajit Ghosh said the league would be beneficial for the Indian players. “It is exciting, and I think it will be beneficial for many talented players we have. So far we have witnessed leagues in other sports, on those lines I th­ink the game can develop in the country,” Ghosh said

11even sports has also signed a ten-year agreement with TTFI for the holistic development of the sport across India. Also on the anvil are workshops and clinics for coaches and support staff.