"That confidence which UTT gave definitely helped me to play better in the international arena" - Sathiyan Gnanasekaran

Sathiyan Gnanasekaran is a name synonymous with Indian table tennis. The paddler hailing from Chennai has been on the international table tennis scene for over a decade now and has won several accolades, including the Arjuna award, an Asian Games medalist, and multiple medals across two editions of the Commonwealth Games.

At 31 years old, Gnanasekaran continues to dominate the table tennis scene in India. His contribution to the sport is immense, and he remains at the forefront, inspiring the next generation of players.

Gnanasekaran, who was once a youngster during the early years of the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) league, has grown to become an integral part of the tournament. He will once again be representing the Dabang Delhi TTC team, a franchise he has loyally served every year since the league’s inception in 2017.

In an exclusive interview with Sportskeeda, Gnanasekaran shared his thoughts on the UTT, his association with Dabang Delhi, and his outlook for the upcoming season.

Reflecting on the UTT's role in shaping young talents, Gnanasekaran emphasized the platform's significance in providing crucial exposure and confidence to emerging players; he gave his own example, explaining:

“It [playing at the UTT league] gives a lot of confidence. For example, in 2017, I remained unbeaten. But I was a very youngster coming into that. That confidence which I got in beating a top 10 or top 20 player. That translated directly into the world level. That you could beat a top-20 player. That confidence which UTT gave definitely helped me to play better in the international arena."

Gnanasekaran went on to highlight the invaluable experience young players gain from participating in UTT, particularly the opportunity to compete alongside and learn from world-class athletes.

“Also, the youngsters, what exposure they get now moving around with world-class players. I think that is something which you can never ask for. I am pretty sure that the young lot will definitely have better exposure. And take the experience of UTT into playing for India,” the Commonwealth Games gold medalist said.

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“That shows the confidence the team has [in me]” - Sathiyan Gnanasekaran on being retained by the Dabang Delhi TTC once again

Gnanasekaran has been a part of the Dabang Delhi TTC franchise since the league’s inaugural season in 2017. His retention by the Dabang Delhi TTC management year after year shows the confidence the team management has in him, and this symbiotic relationship is reciprocated by the faith he has in the team.

“Yes, definitely. I think playing for the same team all five seasons is fantastic. That shows the confidence the team has [in me]. And myself in the management, they have been very supportive. They have been right from when the retention is announced,” he said.

“The first call I get is always, 'Sathiyan, we are retaining you. What is the team we want to pick?' That is the discussion always with Dabang management. It is fantastic to be back again in Dabang Delhi. I am sure this time being in my hometown in Chennai. I hope we can regain the UTT trophy. With the support of Dabang Delhi management, of course. Sachin sir is also back. I am sure we will do a great performance this time,” he added.

Despite the loss of key players like Sreeja Akula and Ayhika Mukherjee, Gnanasekaran remains optimistic about the team's prospects.

Discussing the newcomers in the team, he said:

“We knew, of course, with Somnath and Sreeja being not. We were pretty sure Sreeja was going to go on the first round. That says of what picks we had last year, the two of them.” Gnanasekaran remarked, acknowledging the inevitability of losing a top talent like Sreeja in the draft.

However, Gnanasekaran was enthusiastic about the potential impact the new players joining the team could have.

“We are very happy to get Orawan [Paranang]. Orawan is a fantastic player. We had her in sight for the first pick. And we are happy to get our first pick, and Diya [Chitale] is back with Sachin sir also in the team. Definitely, we have got a good combination,” he said.

“Andreas [Levenko] is a good friend of mine. He played a very crucial match in the world championships, beating Hong Kong. So he is a great team player. I think we have got a good team member. Kind of aggressive players. That is very key in playing a team match. And extremely happy with the team. And two localites of Delhi as well. So I think it is a good combination of players for sure.” He concluded.

Goa Challengers won the previous edition (2023) of the tournament narrowly beating Chennai Lions in the finals.