The Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis Season 7 auction saw prominent Indian paddlers Manav Thakkar, Manush Shah, and Diya Chitale returning to the pool, while top stars Sathiyan Gnanasekaran and Manika Batra were retained by their respective franchises. The auction, held in New Delhi, set the stage for an exciting season ahead.
Key Retentions and Returns
Sathiyan Gnanasekaran, India's top-ranked male player, was retained by the Chennai Lions, while Manika Batra, the country's leading female paddler, will continue with the Bengaluru Smashers. The retention of these star players ensures continuity and high-level competition.
Manav Thakkar, who missed the previous season, made a comeback and was picked by the Goa Challengers. His return adds depth to the team's lineup. Manush Shah and Diya Chitale also re-entered the auction and were acquired by new franchises, bringing fresh energy to the tournament.
Auction Highlights
The auction witnessed intense bidding for several players. Young talent Yashaswini Ghorpade was the most expensive female player, going to the Mumbai Eagles for a record sum. Among men, veteran Soumyajit Ghosh attracted significant interest and was secured by the Delhi Dashers.
International players also featured prominently. Singapore's Feng Tianwei, a former world champion, was picked by the Bengaluru Smashers, while Portugal's Marcos Freitas joined the Chennai Lions. These additions are expected to raise the tournament's competitive level.
Season 7 Expectations
With a mix of retained stars and new faces, Season 7 promises thrilling matches. The league format includes six franchises competing in a round-robin followed by playoffs. The tournament is scheduled to begin in July, with matches held in multiple cities across India.
Organizers expressed confidence in the league's growth, citing increased viewership and sponsorship. The inclusion of top international players and the return of Indian stars are expected to boost the league's profile.
