WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025: Big Prize Money & Key Highlights, India’s Table Tennis Boom Takes Centre Stage

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WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025: India is set to welcome world-class table tennis action once again as Chennai gears up to host the WTT Star Contender from March 25-30, 2025.

This will mark the tournament's debut in Chennai and the third time India has hosted a WTT Star Contender event, following successful editions in Goa in 2023 and 2024.

Organised by Stupa Sports Analytics & Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT), the event will see elite players compete for crucial ranking points and a lucrative prize purse. As the competition unfolds, fans can expect thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and a strong display of India's rising stature in global table tennis. Here are five key things to know about WTT Star Contender Chennai 2025.

1. India Becomes the Second-Highest WTT Star Contender Host

Since its inception in 2021, the WTT Star Contender has been held 13 times, and Chennai is set to host the 14th edition. With this, India cements its position as the second-most frequent host of the tournament, trailing only Doha, Qatar.

India is also set to make history as the first country to host WTT Star Contender in two different cities. This milestone underscores the nation's growing prominence in international table tennis, attracting top-tier talent and fostering a thriving table tennis culture.

2. India's Rapid Rise in World Table Tennis

Indian table tennis has been on an impressive upward trajectory, marked by standout performances in 2024. Sreeja Akula made headlines by clinching the women's singles title at WTT Contender Lagos, alongside Archana Kamath, with whom she secured the women's doubles crown. Meanwhile, Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar added to the tally by winning the men's doubles title.

Another major achievement saw India secure 14 direct entries at WTT Star Contender Bangkok 2024, the country's highest to date. These performances have built on the momentum from 2023, when India hosted its first Star Contender in Goa, and Sutirtha Mukherjee and Ayhika Mukherjee became the nation's first-ever WTT event champions.

3. Bigger Prize Money in 2025

This year's prize pool has increased from USD 250,000 to USD 275,000 (₹2.28 crore), ensuring more lucrative payouts across the singles draw. While the top prizes remain unchanged-USD 10,000 for the champion, USD 7,525 for the finalist, USD 4,000 for semi-finalists, and USD 2,500 for quarter-finalists-there are now enhanced payouts for players at the lower levels.

• Main draw qualifiers will now receive USD 1,100, compared to previous editions.
• Players progressing through each round will earn USD 1,350 and USD 1,600, further incentivising participation.
• With 27 Indian entries, the guaranteed earnings from the tournament are approximately USD 22,000 (₹19 lakh).

4. ITTF Rankings Shake-Up on the Cards

With 600 ITTF ranking points awarded to the WTT Star Contender champion, the event could see major shifts in global standings.

• Finalists receive 420 points, while a semi-final finish nets 210 points.
• Even a quarterfinal finish earns 105 points, which could significantly boost Indian players' rankings.
• First-round eliminations still guarantee 5 ranking points, ensuring that every match has value.

With 13 Indian players in the competition, strong performances in Chennai could influence qualification for upcoming international tournaments, including the Olympics and World Championships.

5. A Global Tournament with Diverse Champions

While China remains the dominant force in world table tennis, the WTT Star Contender series has produced champions from across the globe. Japan and South Korea continue to be strong contenders, while players such as Hugo Calderano (Brazil), Andrija Gaćina (Croatia), and Felix Lebrun (France) have all claimed WTT titles.

Additionally, players from Chinese Taipei, Sweden, and Germany have also tasted success, reflecting the tournament's expanding competitiveness. With a record 19 Indian paddlers in the main draw and 27 entries overall, India will be aiming to add its name to this prestigious list of champions.