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Tag: Gaurav Natekar

  • Raja Kumari, Suhani Shah, Dhvani Bhanushali to rock World Pickleball League

    Raja Kumari, Suhani Shah, Dhvani Bhanushali to rock World Pickleball League

    MUMBAI: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is about to serve up more than just high-speed rallies. From 24 January to 2 February 2025, the historic Brabourne Stadium will witness a dazzling fusion of competitive pickleball and sensational live performances. This inaugural event promises to transform India’s sportainment landscape, pairing the nation’s newest sporting craze with a powerhouse lineup of stars.

    The league’s entertainment roster, curated by Entertainment Consultant, features some of the biggest names in music and performance. Expect electrifying acts from Raja Kumari, Dhvani Bhanushali, Suhani Shah, The Yellow Diary, The Indian Jam Project, Taba Chake, and more, alongside emerging sensations like Akshath Acharya and Adi Dishaan. Anchoring the event is the charismatic Himanshu Chatwani, who promises to keep the energy high between matches and performances.

    Entertainment Consultant business head Aahana Mehta summed up the event’s vision, “WPBL is not just about sport—it’s about creating an immersive experience. By blending world-class pickleball with live entertainment, we’re redefining the way audiences engage with sports in India. It’s about making pickleball a celebration for all, not just the players.”

    The tournament’s six franchises—Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans (led by filmmaker Atlee), Chennai Super Champs (owned by Samantha Prabhu), Hyderabad Superstars, and Dilli Dillwale—will compete in a thrilling format culminating in the finals on 2 February 2025. Adding star power to the semi-finals will be a special exhibition match featuring legendary boxer Amir Khan, who will step onto the court for a memorable showdown.

    WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar shared his excitement, “The World Pickleball League is a movement as much as it is a tournament. We’re blending fast-paced athleticism with unparalleled fan engagement. This league is about making pickleball the next big thing in Indian sports, and the Brabourne Stadium will be the epicentre of this revolution.”

    The event will feature 12 matches, each paired with a stellar performance, ensuring every evening is a mix of edge-of-the-seat sporting action and unforgettable entertainment. WPBL has also partnered with Swiggy Scenes as its official ticketing partner, making it easier for fans to grab their spot at the event.

    Schedule highlights:

    .  24 January: Raja Kumari kicks off the league alongside Mumbai Pickle Power vs Pune United at 8 pm.

    .   26 January: Suhani Shah performs during Chennai Super Champs vs Dilli Dillwale.

    .   1 February: Semi-finals to feature a special exhibition match with Amir Khan.

    .  2 February: The Yellow Diary headlines the finals.

    The league isn’t just focused on elite competition. Through its grassroots tournaments in franchise cities, WPBL is committed to nurturing talent and building a strong foundation for pickleball in India. This initiative, spearheaded by Natekar Sports and Gaming, aims to inspire new players and foster a thriving pickleball community. And with Sony Corporation as a partner and support from the All-India Pickleball Association, WPBL is creating ripples in India’s sporting ecosystem.

  • ABI Health shook hands with WPBL to champion fitness

    ABI Health shook hands with WPBL to champion fitness

    MUMBAI: When healthcare meets pickleball, the game gets serious. ABI Health has announced its partnership with the World Pickleball League (WPBL). This collaboration unites ABI’s mission to revolutionise wellness with WPBL’s drive to make pickleball a national movement. Together, they’re proving that fitness, fun, and community are a match made in heaven.

    Pickleball is more than just the fastest-growing sport globally—it’s an embodiment of inclusivity, low injury risks, and intergenerational fun. Recognising this, ABI Health sees pickleball as a perfect vehicle to inspire healthier lifestyles and strengthen community ties.

    ABI Health vice president global, Shreyas highlighted the significance of this partnership, “At ABI Health, we believe that health, wellness and prevention need to be part of everyone’s lifestyle in today’s day and age. Fitness and an active lifestyle are integral to a healthier tomorrow, and pickleball is the perfect embodiment of this ethos. We are thrilled to support WPBL in their mission to make this sport a movement that inspires people to stay fit. This partnership reflects our dedication to building a healthier, more connected world.”

    WPBL brings together six dynamic teams from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Chennai, and Hyderabad to compete at Brabourne Stadium, creating a platform that celebrates not just pickleball but also teamwork, fitness, and community spirit.

    WPBL co-founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar expressed excitement for the collaboration, “We welcome ABI Health as a partner in this journey to elevate pickleball in India. ABI’s passion for promoting health and wellness aligns perfectly with our mission to make pickleball a sport for everyone. Together, we hope to create a platform that celebrates fitness, teamwork, and community spirit.”

    This partnership goes beyond the court. It’s a movement to build healthier lives, foster connections, and redefine what fitness looks like in today’s world. Pickleball is no longer just a sport; it’s a lifestyle.

    Catch the action as WPBL brings pickleball fever to India while ABI Health ensures the fitness revolution hits its stride.

  • Excitement soars for WPBL’s new digital campaign by Bijoy Shetty

    Excitement soars for WPBL’s new digital campaign by Bijoy Shetty

    MUMBAI: Pickleball fever has hit India, and there’s no turning back. Ahead of the highly anticipated inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL), the league has launched an electrifying digital video campaign directed by the acclaimed Bijoy Shetty. This campaign sets the stage for a thrilling sportainment extravaganza, with the league kicking off on 24 January and running until 2 February 2025.

    The digital video campaign (DVC) captures the sheer obsession pickleball is stirring across the country. Known for his creative brilliance, Bijoy Shetty delivers a high-energy glimpse into the sport’s magnetic appeal and the excitement surrounding India’s first franchise-based pickleball league.

    Sharing his thoughts, Shetty said, “Creating something for a dynamic sport like Pickleball, which is taking the world by storm, was an exciting challenge. Inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of Pickleball players and its fans, I wanted the ad to capture the same thrill that drives this incredible sport. It was a joy to bring my own perspective to it, and I hope everyone enjoys the ad and the upcoming league as much as I enjoyed working on it. I know I’ll be on the edge of my seat watching the league unfold!”

    The campaign brilliantly portrays how pickleball is more than just a sport—it’s a phenomenon sweeping across courts, backyards, and communities. The narrative highlights how pickleball, much like cricket in India, has found its way into the hearts and daily lives of enthusiasts.

    The World Pickleball League will feature six competitive teams owned by corporate leaders and celebrities, along with a lineup of top Indian and international players. As pickleball continues its meteoric rise in popularity, WPBL aims to solidify India’s position as a key hub for the sport in Asia.

    WPBL co-founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar expressed his excitement for the campaign and the league, “We are very excited about the DVC launch. What we wanted to capture is that the league is not only about serious Pickleball, featuring some of the best players in the world, but also about showcasing the fact that anyone, in almost any environment, can play Pickleball. That’s the beauty of the sport. And that’s what we aim to achieve with the World Pickleball League. We aim to bring people together through the sport, creating communities, and building a professional league that is commercially viable for all our stakeholders and partners.”

    Executive creative director of the campaign, Manav Parekh shared his perspective, “Pickleball is blowing up and for good reason! To show that obsession we turned to our childhood days for inspiration. Our obsession to play cricket anywhere and everywhere we could. Use anything as wickets and viola! Similarly, how would using anything/anyone as a Pickleball net look? That’s what this film is. The obsession with Pickleball is here and it’s only going to grow.”

    The league matches will take place at CCI Stadium, Mumbai, with live broadcasts on Sony Ten 2 and FanCode. Tickets are available through Swiggy Scenes, making it easy for fans to experience the action up close.

    For more content and updates, visit:

    1    Instagram: Instagram | The game that makes every heart go dink-dink is here with a league of its own. World Pickleball League in action from 24th January to 2nd February—live from CCI, Mumbai. Catch it on Sony Ten 2 and FanCode.

     

     

    2    YouTube: WORLD PICKLEBALL LEAGUE | 24TH DECEMBER TO 2ND FEB | AT CCI STADIUM

  • Sony Sports Network secures broadcast rights for India’s first world pickleball league

    Sony Sports Network secures broadcast rights for India’s first world pickleball league

    MUMBAI: It’s lobbed the ball in the viewers’ court, with a cross court shot near the baseline.   Will Indian TV viewers manage to give an equally good return?

    Sony Sports Network will be telecasting the inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL), set to debut on 24 January 2025. This franchise-based league aims to capitalise on the sport’s rapid growth in India, where more than 50,000 players are actively participating, and nearly 1,000 pickleball courts have emerged nationwide.

    Conceptualised by former tennis star Gaurav Natekar and ex-India No. 1 Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the WPBL promises thrilling “sportainment” with six teams—Dilli Dillwale, Pune United, Mumbai Pickle Power, Bengaluru Jawans, Chennai Super Champs, and Hyderabad Superstars—facing off in 18 high-stakes matches over ten days. The tournament will feature 48 elite international players from 14 countries, alongside India’s top talents, including Vrushali Thakare and Mayur Patil.

    Sony Pictures Networks India chief revenue officer & head of sports business Rajesh Kaul said: “The addition of the World Pickleball League affirms our efforts to provide diverse sporting content to our viewers.”

    WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar  praised Sony’s previous association in sports broadcasting, highlighting the network’s  commitment to engaging fans and elevating the league’s profile. 

  • FanCode serves an ace with exclusive World Pickleball League streaming rights

    FanCode serves an ace with exclusive World Pickleball League streaming rights

    MUMBAI: In a world where sports like pickleball—once considered a backyard pastime for paddle-wielding dreamers—are now commanding global attention, India’s FanCode has picked up the ball and sprinted to the net.

    The country’s digital sports platform is set to exclusively stream the inaugural season of the World Pickleball League (WPL), giving pickleball enthusiasts a courtside view like never before.

    With pickleball fever gripping India faster than a smash serve, FanCode’s bold move proves one thing: unique sports deserve their time in the spotlight, and they’ve got just the platform to deliver the action. Game on!

    The debut league will unfold from 24 January to 2 February at the iconic CCI Mumbai, showcasing top-tier players from around the globe.

    For those unfamiliar, pickleball is an addictive mashup of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and perfect for those who’ve ever wondered, “why choose one sport when you can have them all?”

    Let’s face it—pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a vibe. With its global popularity soaring, India is catching on to the fever, and WPL is here to fuel that growth. The league promises thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and an unforgettable viewing experience.

    FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco shared his enthusiasm, “Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with an increasing number of enthusiasts embracing the sport. The World Pickleball League is set to captivate fans, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to bring the excitement of pickleball to sports fans nationwide.”

    Hold on to your paddles, because WPL is not just about gameplay—it’s got a healthy dose of celebrity glamour:

    ●   Chennai Super Champs: Owned by none other than actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu

    ●   Bengaluru Jawans: Co-owned by director Atlee and his wife Priya Atlee

    ●   Pune United: A power duo with Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, backed by corporate moguls

    ●   Team Mumbai: Owned by Swiggy, because why not mix sports with snacks?

    With this star-studded lineup, WPL is setting the stage for pickleball to become not just a sport but an entertainment extravaganza.

    As the exclusive streaming partner, FanCode will deliver live coverage and on-demand highlights of every match on its app and website. Expect a seamless, device-friendly experience that lets you catch the action whether you’re on the couch or sneaking a peek during work.

    WPL co-founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar remarked, “FanCode’s rapid rise as one of the favourite sporting destinations for fans across the country provides us with an excellent platform to live stream all the games from the World Pickleball League. We aim to make the sport a household name and are proud to collaborate with a team that shares our passion for the sport.”

    So, are you ready to rally for pickleball? Don’t miss the action-packed debut season on FanCode!

  • Swiggy serves up excitement as the owner of World Pickleball League’s Mumbai team

    Swiggy serves up excitement as the owner of World Pickleball League’s Mumbai team

    Mumbai – Swiggy Ltd (NSE: SWIGGY), India’s pioneering on-demand convenience platform, has announced its ownership of Team Mumbai in the World Pickleball League (WPBL). Co-Founded by former Indian tennis players, Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the inaugural season of the WPBL is set to take place from 24 January to 2 February 2025.

    Pickleball is among the fastest-growing sports globally, thanks to its accessibility for players of all ages. This sport has become a popular recreational and lifestyle activity and is poised to gain significant traction among Indians in the coming decade. Swiggy’s Mumbai team is the second team announced by WBPL after the Chennai franchise owned by actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu. With the first edition of the World Pickleball League set to take place in Mumbai, Swiggy’s Team has the chance to showcase its skills in front of their home fans.

    Speaking about the acquisition of Team Mumbai in the World Pickleball League, Swiggy Food Marketplace CEO Rohit Kapoor said, “When we started discussing pickleball internally and our association with it, my joke was achar bina khaana kya! Look, it’s a fun, easy game to play for most people. And I can see food stalls, a happy game and the whole family there for a great weekend. We fit right into this scenario and deliver joy to folks, as per usual. This partnership with WPBL and Mumbai is Swiggy being part of what makes the city and indeed the world go round. Which is our way.”

    WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar stated, “We strongly believe that the World Pickleball League can become one of India’s best and most popular leagues in the next 3-5 years. Brands like Swiggy coming onboard as Team Owners for the World Pickleball League is a true testament to how the sport and the league is vibing with the masses. As one of India’s most-loved companies, Swiggy will add to the overall excitement and help us reach an even larger audience—not just for the league, but for the sport of Pickleball as well.”

    As the inaugural season approaches, fans can anticipate an exhilarating experience filled with high-energy matches and a vibrant atmosphere where six teams will compete for glory. The WPBL aims to transcend traditional sports events by creating a lifestyle experience that brings people together through their love for Pickleball.

  • WPBL is the ‘powered by partner’ for World Pickleball Championship

    WPBL is the ‘powered by partner’ for World Pickleball Championship

    Mumbai: The World Pickleball League (WPBL), a franchise-based Pickleball tournament launching in January 2025, has announced its role as the ‘Powered By’ sponsor for the upcoming World Pickleball Championship (WPC).

    This partnership coincides with India hosting the World Pickleball Championship Series for the first time. Scheduled for November, the tournament will showcase nearly 650 stars from the Pickleball community, following successful events in Vietnam and Bali earlier this year.

    Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, attracting players of various demographics and ages, whether professionally or for fitness and socializing. The World Pickleball Championship will provide an exciting preview of the sport ahead of the launch of the WPBL.

    Former Indian number one Tennis player, Arjuna awardee and WPBL founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar stated, “Firstly, we would like to congratulate the All India Pickleball Association for their efforts to bring the World Pickleball Championship to India. The tournament, already a global phenomenon, will see the best of Pickleball talent from across the world descending on the island city of Mumbai for an action-packed event. Such tournaments are crucial as they help us identify the talents at the grassroots level. Additionally, it increases the aspirational value of Pickleball worldwide and further strengthen its reputation as one of the fastest-growing sports in India. The World Pickleball League will be India’s first and only official global franchise-based Pickleball league, and we are delighted to support the WPC, a tournament dedicated to developing the sport at grassroots levels globally, as the powered by sponsor.”

    The All India Pickleball Association has been instrumental in bringing the World Pickleball Championship to India and promoting the growth of Pickleball in the country. All India Pickleball Association and the International Pickleball Federation president Arvind Prabhoo shared, “Our journey with Gaurav and Arati in helping shape WPBL – India’s first and only official global franchise-based Pickleball league – has been delightful so far. We are extremely happy that Gaurav’s commitment to building and developing Pickleball in India goes beyond the league, and we are excited to invite the World Pickleball League (WPBL) as the powered by sponsor for the World Pickleball Championship.”

    The World Pickleball Championship is the brainchild of Jan Papi, founder of Pickleball Global and the WPC series. His vision and aspiration to grow Pickleball globally, along with the efforts of AIPA and WPBL in India, will ensure that the country embraces a Pickleball revolution as it further elevates the sport’s popularity, development, and participation to new heights.

  • Samantha joins World Pickleball League as Team Chennai owner

    Samantha joins World Pickleball League as Team Chennai owner

    Mumbai: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) – owned by Natekar Sports and Gaming, today announced actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the owner of the Chennai franchise. Widely respected for her acting prowess, Samantha’s foray into the World Pickleball League marks her exciting debut as a sports entrepreneur.

    As the owner of the Chennai franchise, Samantha will play a pivotal role in shaping the league’s future and promoting pickleball’s popularity in India. Her involvement underscores her commitment to India’s evolving sports ecosystem, with a particular focus on increasing women’s participation as athletes as well as entrepreneurs.

    “Love at first sight — that’s exactly how I’d describe my feelings for pickleball. It caught my attention from the moment I was introduced to it. Today, I’m thrilled to be the owner of the Chennai franchise in the upcoming World Pickleball League. I’ve always wanted to be a part of India’s growing sports ecosystem. In recent years, our country has made great progress towards becoming a multisport nation, with a significant increase in women’s participation in sports. My goal is to encourage more women and young girls to get involved in sports, and I’m eager to work with Gaurav Natekar and AIPA to drive participation in the sport.” said Prabhu.

    “We’re thrilled to welcome Samantha Ruth Prabhu as one of the team owners of the World Pickleball League. When I first met her a few months ago, she was very clear about her desire to play a hands-on role in promoting a sport and owning a team, and building communities in Chennai, especially by creating more opportunities for women and girls to play. With 40% of pickleball players being women, Samantha’s involvement is a perfect fit for the league. ” said WPBL founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar. “We’re crafting an experience that is at the confluence of pop culture. From exceptional food and engaging content to captivating music, and with the star power of owners like her, the WPBL will be a sensory feast that goes far beyond just the sport itself.

    “Pickleball is the fastest growing sport globally, and WPBL is set to be an unmissable event where the world’s top players will showcase their talents on Indian soil. Samantha is particularly passionate about increasing female participation in sports and creating opportunities for young women and girls. We at AIPA are excited to collaborate with her to further popularize pickleball across the country.” added All-India Pickleball Association and President, International Pickleball Federation president Arvind Prabhoo.