Panaji: Two-time champions Dempo Goa Challengers made the biggest statement at the Butterfly Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) Season 7 auction on Tuesday, securing Romania’s Bernadette Szocs for 40 lakh tokens, the highest bid of the auction.
Goa underlined their intent to defend their stature by building a squad that blends proven international quality with promising Indian talent. Alongside Szocs, they added Spain’s Alvaro Robles, while also investing in youngsters Syndrela Das, Abhinandh PB, Divyansh Srivastava and Ananya Chande.
Team owner Shrinivas Dempo said, “We wanted a squad that balances experience and youth. With Bernadette and Alvaro, we have proven match-winners, while the younger players bring hunger and energy.”
The Challengers’ approach marked a clear focus on strengthening both ends of the spectrum elite global performers at the top and emerging Indian players providing depth.
Butterfly UTT Co-Promoter Vita Dani said the auction reflected the league’s growing depth, with teams backing both international stars and upcoming Indian talent.
Butterfly UTT Season 7 will feature seven teams in a single round-robin format, with the top four advancing to the knockout stage
