Stag Global Champions League returns for 3rd season in September

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 14: Nepal’s highest prize-money table tennis tournament, the Stag Global Champions League, is set to return for its third season in the first week of September.

The event is organised by the Stag Champions Table Tennis Academy under the supervision of the All Nepal Table Tennis Association. It will feature foreign players from four countries.

Nepali clubs have been signing international athletes to compete in the league, which has grown into a leading domestic competition since its launch two years ago.

The academy is run by nine-time national champion Nabita Shrestha, who has played a key role in establishing the league as a top-tier event in Nepal’s table tennis scene.

This year’s tournament will be held from 17 to 22 September at the National Table Tennis Training Centre in Lainchaur.

At a press conference on Wednesday, the organisers confirmed participation from 10 clubs. These include Yala Table Tennis, HOPES Table Tennis Academy, AVM Table Tennis Club, The Dragons Table Tennis Club, Kirtipur Municipality, Vortex Nepal, Old House Restro, Top Spin Table Tennis Goods Nepal, Kholcha Pukhu Khelkud Sameeti, and the host Stag Champions Table Tennis Academy. The number of teams has increased from eight last season.

Academy Director Nabita Shrestha announced that the venue will be upgraded with digital lighting and visual enhancements to make the event more engaging.

"Players from table tennis powerhouses such as China, India, Pakistan, and Chinese Taipei will take part. Each of the ten teams has signed one male and one female foreign player for the six-day mixed-team league tournament," said Nabita.

The prize pool has been raised from Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 600,000. The winning team will receive Rs. 300,000 and a running trophy. The runners-up will get Rs. 150,000, while the two third-place teams will each earn Rs. 75,000.

During the press conference, the organisers also announced sponsorship agreements with social activist and Table Tennis Association Vice President Suman Khadgi, along with Metal Shapers, Metalwood Nepal, Delta Autocorp, Celltron Nepal Pvt. Ltd., and Call Mobility Pvt. Ltd.

AVM won the first edition of the league, while Nepal Police Club claimed the title in the second season. However, the police team will not be participating this year.