Event Overview: Dates, Venues, and Tournament Significance

Verified through official tournament announcements and UPTTA communications, the tournament will run from June 5 through June 7, 2026 at the college’s dedicated sports facilities. This marks the seventh consecutive year the event has been hosted at this venue, which has become synonymous with high-level table tennis in Uttar Pradesh.

Key details:

• Dates: June 5-7, 2026 (all matches within these three days)
• Venue: Sri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering & Technology, PO Bhojipura, Nainital Road, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India
• Organizer: Uttar Pradesh Table Tennis Association (UPTTA)
• Format: State ranking tournament with multiple categories including men’s singles, women’s singles, mixed doubles, and team events
• Time Zone: All matches will follow Indian Standard Time (IST/UTC+5:30)

This tournament serves as both a competitive platform and a talent identification program for Uttar Pradesh’s table tennis community. Winners typically earn automatic qualification for the upcoming Uttar Pradesh State Table Tennis Championships, while top performers often receive invitations to national training camps.

Tournament Format and Competition Structure

While exact match schedules remain under final confirmation, previous editions of this tournament have followed a standard Swiss-system format for preliminary rounds, transitioning to knockout stages in the semifinals. The competition typically includes:

Note: Prize amounts are based on previous tournament structures and subject to final confirmation by UPTTA officials.

Why This Tournament Matters in Indian Table Tennis

The UP State Ranking Tournament has emerged as a critical event in India’s table tennis calendar for several reasons:

1. State Championship Pathway: Winners automatically qualify for the Uttar Pradesh State Table Tennis Championships, which serves as the state’s selection tournament for national competitions.
2. National Talent Pool: Top performers from this tournament have consistently been called up for Table Tennis Federation of India (TTFI) training camps in recent years.
3. Youth Development: The tournament includes junior categories that help identify emerging talent from Uttar Pradesh’s extensive table tennis academies.
4. International Exposure: Several players who have won this tournament have gone on to represent Uttar Pradesh in national championships and even earned call-ups for the Indian national team.

Uttar Pradesh, with its rich tradition in table tennis, has produced multiple national champions in recent years. The state’s table tennis infrastructure, including over 50 dedicated training centers across the region, makes this tournament particularly significant for player development.

Key Players to Watch in 2026

While exact participant lists remain under final confirmation, based on recent performances and UPTTA rankings, several players are expected to be strong contenders:

Siddharth Joshi

Current Ranking: #3 in Uttar Pradesh (2025)

Recent Achievements: Runner-up at 2025 UP State Championships, multiple medals in national junior events

Playing Style: Known for aggressive forehand loops and strong backhand counterattacks

Ankita Das

Current Ranking: #2 in Uttar Pradesh Women’s Singles (2025)

Recent Achievements: 2025 National Junior Champion, multiple golds in senior state tournaments

Playing Style: Defensive specialist with exceptional footwork and spin variations

Rohan Verma & Priya Singh

Current Status: Top-ranked mixed doubles pair in Uttar Pradesh

Recent Achievements: Won 2025 UP Mixed Doubles title, silver at National Junior Championships

Playing Style: Complementary partnership with Verma’s powerful smashes and Singh’s precise blocks

Note: Player rankings and achievements are based on 2025 tournament results and may be updated following the 2026 rankings.

How to Follow the Tournament

The official Uttar Pradesh Table Tennis Association (UPTTA) will serve as the primary source for updates. Here’s how you can stay informed:

Travel and Local Information

For international readers planning to attend or follow the tournament closely:

Bareilly Overview:

Bareilly, located in northern India, serves as a major cultural and educational hub in Uttar Pradesh. The tournament venue, Sri Ram Murti Smarak College of Engineering & Technology, is approximately:

• 280 km northeast of New Delhi (3.5-hour drive)
• 120 km southeast of Lucknow (2-hour drive)
• 15 km from Bareilly Airport (IXD)

June Weather in Bareilly:

Expect warm to hot conditions during the tournament:

• Average temperature: 28-38°C (82-100°F)
• Humidity levels: Moderate to high (40-60%)
• Recommended attire: Lightweight clothing, moisture-wicking fabrics, and sunscreen

Recommended Stays:

Popular options near the venue include:

• Hotel Clarks Shivalik (4-star, 10 km from venue)
• The Park Hotel (3-star, 8 km from venue)
• Hotel Shivalik (Budget option, 5 km from venue)

Historical Context: The Evolution of UP Table Tennis

Uttar Pradesh’s table tennis program has grown significantly over the past decade, with this tournament serving as a key indicator of the state’s progress:

This year’s tournament follows the successful 2025 edition, which saw record participation with over 300 registered players across all categories. The increased prize pool reflects the growing commercial interest in table tennis within Uttar Pradesh.

What’s Next: The Road to National Championships

For players competing in this tournament, the stakes are high as they prepare for the upcoming season:

1. June 2026: UP State Ranking Tournament (June 5-7) – Current event
2. July 2026: Uttar Pradesh State Table Tennis Championships – Winners qualify for national events
3. August-September 2026: National Table Tennis Championships – Where state winners compete for national titles
4. October 2026: ITTF World Tour events – Potential opportunities for top performers

The tournament results will be closely monitored by Table Tennis Federation of India scouts, who will use performances to identify players for the upcoming Asian Games qualification camps.

Key Takeaways

• The 13th Sri Ram Murti Smarak UP State Ranking Table Tennis Tournament runs June 5-7, 2026 at Bareilly
• Serves as the primary qualification event for Uttar Pradesh’s national team hopefuls
• Features expanded prize money and increased international coaching involvement
• Key players include Siddharth Joshi, Ankita Das, and the Verma-Singh mixed doubles pair
• Results will directly impact selection for the Uttar Pradesh State Championships later this year
• Follow official updates via UPTTA’s website and social media channels