Star Players and New Talent: GSL Season 2 Promises Thrilling Action
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Meet the Teams: Who’s Competing in GSL Season 2
The second season of the Gujarat Super League (GSL) Table Tennis saw an exciting players’ auction held at Topspin Club in Ahmedabad on Friday. The event brought together 59 state and national paddlers, all eager to showcase their talent in this prestigious tournament.
A Growing Legacy
The GSL is the brainchild of the Gujarat State Table Tennis Association (GSTTA). After a successful inaugural season at TransStadia, Ahmedabad in August 2022, the league has returned with even more vigor. This year, the competition moves to Surat, promising a thrilling spectacle for table tennis enthusiasts.
Star Players in the Spotlight
India’s top-ranked paddlers, Harmeet Desai and Manav Thakkar, both hailing from Surat, have been retained by their respective teams from the previous season. Their participation guarantees high-octane matches, given their impressive national rankings.
Adding to the excitement, India’s number three player, Manush Shah from Vadodara, and the top state women’s paddler, Krittiwika Sinha Roy from Surat, were part of the auction. These athletes, alongside other top paddlers, are set to bring their best game to the GSL.
Highlights of the Auction
Among the notable paddlers, Asian Games medallist Sutirtha Mukherjee, reigning women’s National Champion Poymantee Baisya, and Commonwealth Games gold medallist Sanil Shetty emerged as star attractions. Their skills and achievements have set high expectations for this season.
Teams and Budgets
Six teams participated in the auction: Tapti Tigers (Season 1 winners), Shamal Squad (Season 1 runners-up), Bhayani Stars, Kataria Kings, Multimet Marvels, and Topnotch Achievers. Each team had a budget of Rs 3,20,000 to build a balanced and competitive roster.
Quotes from the Organizers
Shri Kushal Sangtani, Secretary of GSTTA, expressed his excitement about the upcoming season. “After the successful completion of Season 1, I am thrilled to see the enthusiasm for the Season 2 auction. With top players, including two Olympians – Harmeet and Manav – the league is set to reach new heights. The interest shown by team owners is very encouraging,” he said.
Shri Kantibhai Bhuva, Chairman of the GSL TT governing council, added, “GSL Season 2 will be bigger and better than Season 1. We have learned a lot from the first season, and this year promises to be an even more spectacular event.”
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Team Composition
Each team in the GSL will comprise a diverse mix of talent to ensure a dynamic competition. The team composition includes:
- National Player (Male)
- National Player (Female)
- State Player (Male)
- State Player (Female)
- Veteran Player
- National Coach
- State Coach
Retained Players and Coaches
Here’s a look at the retained players and coaches for each team:
Kataria Kings:
- National Coach: Anshul Garg
- State Coach: Nilay Vyas
- State Player (Male): Soham Bhattacharya
Bhayani Stars:
- State Coach: Vahed Malubhai
Tapti Tigers:
- National Coach: Ravi Chandran
- State Coach: Hraday Desai
- State Player (Female): Filzah Fatema Kadri
TopNotch Achievers:
- National Coach: Anol Kashyap
- State Coach: Sailesh Gosai
- State Player (Male): Chitrax Bhatt
Multimet Marvels:
- State Coach: Mihir Gandhi
- National Player: Harmeet Desai
Shamal Squad:
- National Coach: Parag Agarwal
- National Player (Male): Manav Thakkar
Anticipation for Season 2
The build-up to GSL Season 2 has been filled with anticipation. The auction has set the stage for an exciting season, with each team eager to showcase their skills and compete for the championship. The inclusion of top-tier players ensures that fans will be treated to high-quality matches.
The GSL aims to elevate the profile of table tennis in Gujarat and across India. With the backing of the GSTTA and the enthusiasm of the players and team owners, this season promises to be a milestone in the league’s history.
The Road Ahead
As the teams gear up for the competition, the focus will be on training and strategizing. Each team will look to leverage the strengths of their players and coaches to gain an edge over their rivals. The blend of national and state talent, along with experienced coaches, sets the stage for a competitive and entertaining season.
The Gujarat Super League Season 2 is not just a tournament; it’s a celebration of table tennis. It brings together top athletes, coaches, and fans in a shared passion for the sport. As the action unfolds in Surat, the GSL will undoubtedly inspire the next generation of paddlers and contribute to the growth of table tennis in India.
Stay tuned for an unforgettable season filled with intense rallies, spectacular smashes, and moments of sheer brilliance. The GSL Season 2 is here, and it’s set to be a game-changer for table tennis in Gujarat and beyond.
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