In the annals of Indian table tennis history, Bombay and Maharashtra stand tall as early powerhouses of the sport, dominating the prestigious Barna Bellack Cup and Corbillon Cup respectively.
The Barna Bellack Cup, introduced at the National Table Tennis Championships in 1946 in Madras (now Chennai), saw Bombay clinch the inaugural title. The team went on a historic run, remaining unbeaten till 1952 and ultimately winning the title 16 times, setting a gold standard for consistency and supremacy in men’s team events.
Meanwhile, Maharashtra emerged as a formidable force in the Corbillon Cup, the women’s team event, securing the championship 14 times over the decades, with a legacy of nurturing some of the nation’s finest female paddlers.
These achievements not only reflect the depth of talent in these regions but also underscore their vital role in shaping the early culture and competitiveness of table tennis in India.
