SRM IST Wins South Zone Inter-University Table Tennis Title

SRM Institute of Science and Technology emerged as champions of the South Zone Inter-University Table Tennis Tournament (Men) 2025–2026 after a string of decisive wins at AMET University, Chennai. The tournament ran from December 25 to 28, and SRM IST took the overall winners’ trophy following a 3–2 final triumph over Jain University.

SRM IST advanced through the knockout rounds with a quarterfinal 3–0 victory over GITAM University and a narrow 3–2 semifinal win against the University of Madras before edging Jain University in the final. The college also earned two individual emerging player awards, presented to Balamurugan and Amir Afthab, marking them as ones to watch as the competition moves to the national stage.

The top four finishers from the South Zone event qualify for the All-India Inter-University Table Tennis Men’s Tournament at Chitagrah University, Punjab, scheduled for January 2–5, 2026. SRM IST, Jain University, University of Madras and VELS University will represent the region at that national event, carrying momentum and tactical lessons from the Chennai matches.

Tournament organizers and SRM IST credited the title in part to sustained program development, increased institutional support and the work of the coaching staff. The result underscores how investment in training infrastructure and coaching continuity can produce rapid competitive gains at the collegiate level. For college programs and club coaches, SRM’s path offers a practical blueprint: develop depth across a squad, prioritize match-play experience, and identify emerging talents early.

For players and fans, the immediate impact is clear. Balamurugan and Amir Afthab will be players to follow in Punjab, while the close semifinal and final scores suggest high-intensity team matchups that should make the All-India tournament a competitive showcase. Local clubs and university teams can use the South Zone outcomes to recalibrate schedules and scouting ahead of January’s national field.

The South Zone event also reinforces the growing profile of university table tennis in the region. With the All-India tournament beginning January 2, attention now shifts to how these four qualifiers will stack up against counterparts from other zones and whether SRM IST’s program-led approach translates into national success.