Niraj Bajaj

Niraj Bajaj, chairman of Mukand, is one of those rare industrialists, someone who consistently underplays his wealth and position. This is because the Harvard educated scion of one of India's most respected business clans has outstanding achievements of his own, beyond business and industry. Between 1970-77, Bajaj represented India in table tennis internationally, and was ranked India No.1 four times, and was also a recipient of the Arjuna Award. Now, the leading businessman has taken his love for table tennis to another level altogether. Along with his wife Minal, and Vita Dani of the Asian Paints family, he has become a promoter of a new league called '11 Sports,' with an aim to promote the game. "Our key event is the Ultimate Table Tennis (UTT) League, specifically created to promote my favourite game, and also showcase the best talent in the world," he says. And this month will see the league kicking off with matches in Chennai, Delhi, and finally in Mumbai at the end of the month where the semi-finals and finals will take place. "For me personally, this is a dream come true," he says.