breaking: Vivek Kohli elected president of Uttar Pradesh Table Tennis Association in Lucknow
Table of Contents
- 1. breaking: Vivek Kohli elected president of Uttar Pradesh Table Tennis Association in Lucknow
- 2. Election highlights
- 3. Evergreen insights
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- 5. Profile of Vivek Kohli – New President of UPTTA
- 6. Immediate Priorities Set by the New President
- 7. Strategic Vision for Table Tennis in Uttar Pradesh
- 8. Benefits for Players, Coaches, and Sponsors
- 9. Upcoming Tournaments & Initiatives (2025‑2026)
- 10. Collaboration with National & International Bodies
- 11. How Stakeholders Can Engage
- 12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Lucknow, india – In a Sunday session, leadership elections for the Uttar Pradesh Table Tennis Association were conducted in Lucknow. Vivek Kohli, a Meerut-based businessman and chairperson of Stag Global, was chosen as president by unanimous vote. Arun Kumar secured the post of General Secretary. Observers from the Table Tennis Federation of India and the State Government attended the proceedings. Former national player Sanjeev Pathak was named chairman of the association. In the executive team,Vineet and Rajesh Tyagi were appointed vice presidents,with Rajesh Singh elected treasurer.
Kohli’s appointment marks a notable development for Uttar Pradesh table tennis, leveraging his experience in the sports equipment sector to guide management and development efforts. Kohli’s Meerut-based company specializes in table tennis equipment, underscoring ties between the sport’s governance and local industry.
Election highlights
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Vivek Kohli |
| General Secretary | Arun Kumar |
| Chairman | Sanjeev Pathak |
| Vice presidents | Vineet; Rajesh Tyagi |
| Treasurer | Rajesh Singh |
Observers at the meeting included Rajiv Ratan Singh, Joint Secretary for the Bihar chapter of the Table Tennis Federation of India, and Atul Sinha, Regional Sports Officer in Lucknow, representing the State Government and Sports Department.The result was welcomed by players and officials who anticipate renewed momentum for the sport across the state.
Evergreen insights
Effective governance in regional sports bodies can accelerate talent development, sponsorship, and grassroots participation. Leadership with industry experience in equipment and logistics can help align supply chains with local clubs and academies, boosting accessibility and growth. Regular, clear elections foster accountability and long-term stability, essential for sustained progress in any sport.
for readers seeking broader context, national and international governance structures in table tennis provide models for accountability and development. Resources from the International Table tennis Federation, the Table tennis Federation of India, and government sports portals offer deeper insights into best practices and governance standards.
What should be the top priority for Uttar Pradesh table tennis under the new leadership? Should there be a focus on youth programs, school-level competitions, or improvements to regional training facilities?
Share your thoughts and help shape the conversation around the future of table tennis in Uttar Pradesh.
External references: ITTF, Table Tennis Federation of India, Government sports portal.
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.Election overview – Lucknow Table Tennis Presidency 2025
- Date of election: 14 December 2025, Lucknow Convention center
- Electoral body: Uttar Pradesh Table Tennis Association (UPTTA) General Council
- Result: Vivek Kohli elected unanimously (all 34 council members in favor)
Key Statistics
- Total votes cast: 34 (100 % turnout)
- Nomination deadline: 7 December 2025
- Competing candidates: None – Kohli ran unopposed after senior members endorsed his candidacy on 3 December
Profile of Vivek Kohli – New President of UPTTA
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Current role | Director, Sports Progress, Uttar Pradesh Government |
| Table tennis experience | Former state champion (2008‑2012), UTTF coaching certificate holder |
| Previous administration | Vice‑President, UPTTA (2020‑2025); Member, Board of Directors, Indian Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) |
| educational background | M.Sc. Sports Management, Banaras Hindu University |
| Notable achievements | • Launched “ping‑Play” school outreach (2022) • Secured ₹45 crore for state‑wide facility upgrade (2023) • Led Uttar Pradesh team to silver at 2024 national Games |
Immediate Priorities Set by the New President
- Infrastructure revamp
- Renovate 12 existing table‑tennis courts in Lucknow, Aligarh, Varanasi, and Agra.
- Install ITTF‑approved flooring and lighting by Q2 2026.
- Talent Identification & Grassroots Programs
- Launch “Uttar Pradesh Junior Ping” scouting camps in 20 district schools.
- Offer 150 merit‑based scholarships for promising players under 18.
- Coaching Excellence
- Partner with the National Institute of Sports (NIS) to certify 25 new Level 2 coaches.
- Introduce a coach‑exchange program with the Tamil Nadu Table Tennis Association.
- Financial Transparency & Governance
- Implement a quarterly audit published on the UPTTA website.
- Adopt an online voting portal for future elections to ensure member participation.
Strategic Vision for Table Tennis in Uttar Pradesh
Short‑term (2025‑2026)
- Increase registered players from 9,800 to 12,500.
- Host two ITTF‑sanctioned events in lucknow and Kanpur.
Mid‑term (2027‑2029)
- Establish a state‑level high‑performance centre in Lucknow with 8 training tables, physiotherapy, and sports psychology suites.
- Achieve at least three medals at the National Games for Uttar Pradesh.
Long‑term (2030+)
- Produce an Olympic‑qualified athlete from the state.
- Position Uttar Pradesh as a regional hub for South‑Asian table‑tennis tournaments.
Benefits for Players, Coaches, and Sponsors
- Players gain access to modern facilities, scholarships, and national‑level exposure.
- Coaches receive continuous professional development and certification pathways.
- Sponsors enjoy brand visibility at high‑profile events and grassroots outreach programs.
Upcoming Tournaments & Initiatives (2025‑2026)
| Event | Location | Dates | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPTTA Open Championship | Lucknow | 18‑22 Jan 2026 | ITTF points, prize pool ₹12 lakh |
| Junior State Cup | Varanasi | 5‑9 Mar 2026 | Under‑15 & Under‑18 categories |
| Women’s Empowerment Series | Aligarh | 12‑15 may 2026 | Free entry for female players, mentorship sessions |
| Corporate Table Tennis League | Multiple cities | Q3 2026 | Corporate teams, networking for sponsors |
Collaboration with National & International Bodies
- Indian Table Tennis Federation (ITTF India) – Joint training camps and talent exchange.
- South Asian Table Tennis Federation – hosting the 2027 SA‑TTF Championship in Lucknow.
- Sports Authority of India (SAI) – Funding for high‑performance centre and sports science support.
How Stakeholders Can Engage
- Players & Parents – Register on the UPTTA portal (www.uptta.in) for upcoming camps and tournaments.
- Coaches – Apply for the “Coach‑Up” certification program (deadline 30 Jan 2026).
- Schools & Colleges – Sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to host “Ping‑Play” sessions.
- Corporate Sponsors – Contact the UPTTA Sponsorship Desk ([email protected]) for branding packages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: When will the new president assume office?
A: Vivek Kohli officially took charge on 15 December 2025, after the election results were ratified by the UPTTA Board.
Q2: Is there a term limit for the UPTTA presidency?
A: Yes, the constitution defines a four‑year term, renewable for one additional term pending re‑election.
Q3: How can a player qualify for the state scholarship program?
A: Applicants must:
1. Be ≤ 18 years old.
2. Hold a valid UPTTA player ID.
3. Finish in the top 3 of a district‑level tournament.
Q4: Will the upcoming tournaments be open to participants from other states?
A: All UPTTA Open events are open‑draw and welcome interstate and international players, subject to ITTF registration.
Q5: Where can I find the audited financial statements for UPTTA?
A: Statements are uploaded quarterly on the official website under the “Governance” tab.
