After a successful journey in the inaugural edition of the tournament, DoIT Sports Management owned franchise Dabang Smashers Table Tennis Club have put together a squad that’s gunning for the title this year. With a revamped squad comprising young and talented players, the Smashers are all set to light up the second season of the CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis. These intentions have been made clear by the Smashers with their retention of India’s highest ranked player Sathiyan Gnanasekaran (World No. 49) before the player drafts.
Dabang Smashers TTC’s new-look side will feature in the CEAT UTT that is set to be hosted by 3 cities – Pune, Delhi and Kolkata between 14th June and 1st July 2018. India’s highest ranked female player Manika Batra has joined the Smashers. Strengthening the squad, Dabang Smashers TTC’s international talent includes star players like Yoshida Masaki, Sakura Mori, Cedric Nuytinck, Adriana Diaz and young Indian players Archana Kamath, Sanish Ambekar.
Commenting on his retention, India’s star paddler Sathiyan Gnanasekaran said, “I am delighted to be a part of Dabang Smashers TTC. We have a strong new team this season with experienced coaches. I am looking forward to give it my all once again for the Smashers, and lead the team to the title.”
Saumya Khaitan, Chief Executive Officer, Dabang Smashers TTC said, “It was a great day out at the player drafts for the second season of the CEAT Ultimate Table Tennis. I’m proud of the team we’ve managed to build here today, and I’m confident we can stake a claim for the title this season. We have Sathiyan leading the unit, a player who went unbeaten in last season’s tournament and is currently the best in the country. I am confident that with his leadership and the talent we’ve acquired today, Dabang Smashers will be the team to watch out for this season.”
The Smashers set the table on fire last season with their style of play, going through to the semi-final phase. This year, they’re keen to take it further by staking a claim for the title. Another change that will help them reach this goal is a new ambitious think-tank, led by experienced coaches like Romanian paddler/smasher Andrei Filimon, and talented Sachin Shetty who took the Indian team to the Bronze medal at the Asian Junior and Cadet Championships in Korea. From the players to the support staff, Dabang Smashers TTC are a side hungry for success and eager to go for the kill.