U Mumba revels in second UTT title triumph
U Mumba TT successfully defended their Ultimate Table Tennis title by defeating the Dempo Goa Challengers in the final. The team credited their victory to a calculated, resilient approach and the strong performance of player Manush Shah.
Why it matters
The victory marks a significant milestone in the Indian sports landscape, demonstrating the growth and competitive nature of the Ultimate Table Tennis league.
Winning an Ultimate Table Tennis title is special. Defending it, Lilian Bardet believes, is even more satisfying.
The Frenchman, one of only two surviving players from U Mumba TT’s maiden triumph in 2025 alongside reserve paddler Akash Pal, felt Sunday’s victory over Dempo Goa Challengers, unbeaten in the seventh season until then, was a testament to the team’s resilience after a shaky start.
“The first time is always something new for the team, for the players. But to achieve it a second time in a row is even bigger,” Bardet said after lifting the trophy at the Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Indoor Stadium in Panaji on Sunday.
“Teamwork from the first day until today [Sunday]... we are really proud of this victory.”
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