Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Thiru Udhayanidhi Stalin unveiled the WTT Star Contender Chennai Trophy 2025 Presented by IndianOil, marking the official start of the tournament.
The ceremony set the stage for an action-packed week as top global paddlers prepare to battle for glory at the Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
Indian table tennis legend Achanta Sharath Kamal, who is playing in his final tournament, was present alongside the deputy CM.
Organised by Stupa Sports Analytics and Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) under the TTFI, the tournament promises thrilling action, with players battling for 600 ranking points and a $275,000 prize purse.
With 158 players from around the world, including eight Olympic medalists and some of the sport’s biggest stars, Chennai is set to witness world-class table tennis action from March 25-31.
Leading the international charge are Tomokazu Harimoto (#3, MS, Japan) and Hina Hayata (#5, WS, Japan), both Olympic medalists, who come in as the top seeds in the men’s and women’s singles events. They’ll be joined by a stellar lineup of medalists, including Miwa Harimoto (#6, WS, Japan), Shin Yu-bin (#10, WS, South Korea), Cheng I-Ching (#11, WS, Chinese Taipei), Doo Hoi Kem (#36, WS, Hong Kong), Lee Eun-hye (#39, WS, South Korea), and Lim Jong-hoon (#43, MS, South Korea).
For the first time ever, an Indian men’s doubles pair is the top-seeded entry at a WTT Star Contender event. Manush Shah and Manav Thakkar, fresh off a semi-final finish at WTT Star Contender Doha 2025, will look to capitalize on home advantage. In mixed doubles, Diya Chitale and Manush Shah will be aiming for a deep run as the fourth-seeded pair.
A record-breaking 19 Indian players have secured direct entries and wildcards for the main draw—the highest-ever for the country at this level. In total, 82 Indian paddlers (35 men and 47 women) will compete across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, setting a new benchmark for India’s participation in international table tennis.
Where to Watch
Show Court matches: Sony LIV app and Website
Courts 1, 2, and 3: WTT YouTube Channel
