Jodhpur, November 29: The stage is set for a spirited showdown as Chitkara University (Punjab) and SRM University (Chennai) take the top seeding in the men’s and women’s team draws of the table tennis competition at the fifth Khelo India University Games (KIUG), beginning Friday at the Chainpura Indoor Stadium.

The fifth edition of the KIUG—India’s flagship university-level multi-sport event under the Sports Ministry—is being staged across seven cities in Rajasthan, with Jodhpur’s “Blue City” hosting the table tennis leg. Sixteen universities per gender, representing the north, south, east, and west zones, gathered through their managers for Thursday’s team draw at the venue.

The seedings, based on last year’s results, give Chitkara and SRM the initial edge, though the field promises far greater depth this time.

Even before the first ball is served, Chitkara’s men’s team suffered a setback with the likely withdrawal of Payas Jain, who is representing India at the World Mixed Team Championships in Chengdu, China. Still, the Punjab outfit remains formidable, led by national regulars Wesley Do Rosario, Yashansh Malik, and Raegan Albuquerque, with Vanad Kumar adding depth.

But defending their position will be no easy task. Chandigarh University has assembled an equally potent lineup with Jash Modi, Divyansh Srivastava, Deepit Patil, and Kushal Chopda, all proven performers on the circuit. Jain University (Bengaluru), powered by Akash K.J., Yeshwant P., Sanjay Madhavan, Milan B. Nair, and Varun Kashyap, is also expected to test the favourites. From the east, Adamas University (West Bengal) could spring surprises through Bodhisatwa Choudhury and Aniket Sen Choudhury.

In the women’s section, second-seeded Chitkara University will challenge top-seeded SRM University, setting up a potentially thrilling rivalry. SRM’s trio of Kavyashree Baskar, Pranati P. Nair, and Manushree Patil brings consistency and flair to the table. Still, Chitkara’s counterforce—Suhana Saini, Pritha Vartikar, Vanshika Bhargava, Lakshita Narang, and Sreedatri Roy—ensures the contest remains finely balanced.

Chandigarh University, with Ananya Chande, Hardeep Patil, Saanvi Roy, Ridhima Kapoor, and Kaashvi Gupta, could also disrupt the top-tier battle. While several universities boast standout players, the overall team depth may determine who lasts deep into the knockout rounds. With the top two teams from each of the four groups advancing to the knockout stage, competition is expected to be fierce from the opening matches.

Competition Manager N. Ganeshan confirmed that ITTF-approved equipment—tables, balls, and flooring—will be used throughout the four-day event, which begins at 10 a.m. daily. Doordarshan will live-stream matches from the showcourt, while Mangesh Mopker will serve as referee, assisted by Blue Badge, International, and National umpires.

As the paddles start swinging in Jodhpur, all eyes will be on whether Chitkara and SRM can justify their seedings—or whether a new university emerges to steal the spotlight.