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UTT teams up with Aatral for Table Tennis in Metaverse
Mumbai: Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) in a pathbreaking partnership with Aatral, one of the leading metaverse solutions companies in India, aims to revolutionise fan engagement by creating an immersive and interactive virtual experience for table tennis enthusiasts for the very first time. Aatral, renowned for its expertise in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) development, will collaborate with UTT as its official metaverse partner to create next-level fan experience, and engagement and establish the league’s prominent presence in the virtual world.
Recognising the immense potential of the gaming industry and its significance in India, UTT is committed to providing fans with innovative ways to connect with the sport. The partnership also signifies their shared commitment to innovation and fan-centric experiences.
“We know that sports have always been a powerful force that unites people from diverse backgrounds. Through this collaboration in the Metaverse, UTT and Aatral will offer fans a distinctive environment with a variety of gaming options and table tennis-related experiences. These games will deliver an unprecedented degree of immersion by utilising VR, AR and mixed reality to transport players across borders,” commented UTT co-promoter Vita Dani.
Three to four table tennis-themed mini-games will be available to fans. Aatral will create a fan-engaging environment in 3D space which will allow fans to download and play the application from the Google Play Store, App Store and UTT website by the end of June 2023. These downloadable games will enhance the interactive capabilities of mobile devices to further increase fan involvement. Fans will be able to enjoy the thrill of table tennis not only during the league but anytime, anywhere with this portable gaming experience, giving the sport to connect the fans at their fingertips.
“We are thrilled to announce our association with the Ultimate Table Tennis team, the first of its kind in the metaverse for table tennis. At Aatral, we are committed to providing our users with immersive and interactive experiences that bridge the gap between the physical and virtual worlds. By partnering with UTT, we are enabling our users to enjoy the thrill of table tennis in a new and exciting way, as well as creating opportunities for social connection, learning, and entertainment. We are looking forward to being part of this groundbreaking event in sports leagues in the country!” stated Aatral Founder and CEO, Prem Balachandran.
As part of this collaboration, UTT and Aatral will also set up experiential stalls across select venues to reach out to students, youth and table tennis fans, featuring interactive stations where fans can don VR/AR equipment and engage in the virtual table tennis matches like never before.
By embracing the multiverse environment, UTT aims to create a lasting impact on fan engagement, providing an unparalleled platform for fans to connect with their favourite sport and players in ways they have never imagined.
Promoted by Niraj Bajaj and Vita Dani under the auspices of the Table Tennis Federation of India, UTT Season Four will be played at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune from 13 to 30 July. Bengaluru Smashers, Chennai Lions, Dabang Delhi TTC, Goa Challengers, Puneri Paltan Table Tennis and U Mumba TT are the six franchisees that will compete for the title with live action being broadcasted on Sports 18 and streamed on JioCinema.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
