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Tag: Hemal Jain

  • Game, set, parent – Mumbai gears up for a family Pickleball face-off

    Game, set, parent – Mumbai gears up for a family Pickleball face-off

    MUMBAI: Get ready for a match made in family heaven where rackets meet responsibility and parents trade school runs for serves. Global Sports Pickleball (GSP) is hosting the School Parents Pickleball Championship at Mumbai’s Andheri Sports Complex on 1 and 2 November 2025, inviting mums and dads to swap their weekend routines for volleys, laughter, and a dash of friendly rivalry.

    The event is designed to bring families together, turning the court into a playground of fun, fitness, and festive energy. As pickleball fever grips India, this championship captures the sport’s rare ability to bridge generations with parents taking centre court while their children cheer from the sidelines.

    Parents from some of Mumbai’s most prominent schools including Oberoi International School, Jamnabai Narsee International School, Aditya Birla World Academy, Utpal Shanghvi Global School, Shishuvan School, and Edubridge International School will swap their everyday hustle for a high-energy weekend rally.

    But this isn’t your average tournament. Think more carnival than competition. Expect food stalls, music, children’s activities, and a festive family vibe that promises to keep both players and spectators engaged. It’s not just about aces and dinks, it’s about shared moments and spirited memories.

    “Pickleball is so much more than a game. It’s about connection and community,” said GSP chief architect for pickleball growth Hemal Jain. “The School Parents Pickleball Championship gives families a reason to spend the weekend together in the most active and exciting way possible. There are no age limits, no barriers just pure fun, friendly competition, and family spirit.”

    Adding a cinematic spin to the event GSP writer, producer director and co-founder Shashank Khaitan said, “This championship is about celebrating families and creating memories. We can’t wait to see parents and kids share the same enthusiasm on and off the court. It is all about joy, laughter, and togetherness.”

    With pickleball emerging as one of India’s fastest-growing sports, the tournament shines a light on its accessibility and community-driven charm. GSP’s initiative brings together fitness and family time, blending competition with connection, and showing that sometimes, the best rallies happen off the court too.

    So this November, Mumbai’s parents won’t just be watching from the stands, they’ll be serving, smashing, and scoring… all in the name of family fun.

     

  • Pickleball goes under the hammer as GSP sets stage for Season 2 auction

    Pickleball goes under the hammer as GSP sets stage for Season 2 auction

    MUMBAI: The paddles are ready, and so is the gavel. Global Sports Pickleball (GSP) is set to host India’s first-ever live pickleball auction on 7 September 2025 in Mumbai, marking a defining moment for the fast-rising racquet sport. Season 2 of the Pro & Challenger League will see ten franchises bidding for five players each across both categories, making it the biggest player pool ever assembled for an Indian pickleball auction. For fans at home and abroad, the action will stream live on GSP’s official Youtube channel, turning the auction itself into a spectator sport.

    This milestone comes as GSP continues to build a full-fledged ecosystem for pickleball. Over the past two years, the organisation has gone beyond tournaments developing courts, retailing gear, and running grassroots clinics in India and Dubai. Its league calendar already includes flagship events like the Indian Open and the Grand Slam, both designed to put Indian pickleball on the global sporting map.

    GSP chief architect of pickleball growth Hemal Jain explained: “From grassroots clinics to national academies, our vision has been to craft a robust foundation for pickleball in India. This auction for our 2nd season is more than a sporting event, it’s a pivotal step in our shared journey to place pickleball on the world stage.”

    Hindi filmmaker and GSP co-founder Shashank Khaitan added: “Pickleball is no longer the hidden star of the racquet sports world, it’s ready for its moment. With this auction and Season 2 of the League, we’re not just creating teams; we’re creating benchmarks. And a platform where dreams can come true.”

    With ten teams, two categories, and a first-of-its-kind live auction, Season 2 of the Pro & Challenger League promises to be a turning point one where India doesn’t just play pickleball but takes it mainstream.

  • Pickleball fever returns as Global Sports serves up Monsoon Championship 3.0 with $60,000 prize pot

    Pickleball fever returns as Global Sports serves up Monsoon Championship 3.0 with $60,000 prize pot

    MUMBAI: Global Sports is bringing the thunder (and a lot of paddle) back to Navi Mumbai with the return of the Monsoon Pickleball Championship 3.0—India’s largest indoor pickleball tournament is set to smash into action from 29 July to 3 August at the Cidco Exhibition Centre, Vashi.

    Now in its third edition, MPC 3.0 promises an upgraded experience, featuring 17 air-conditioned indoor courts, a record $60,000 prize pool, and more than 800 top-tier athletes from across India and the world.

    Open to players across all skill levels and age groups from Pro and Advanced, to 30+, 40+, Juniors, Seniors, and Women’s team events, the tournament is positioned to be a mega-monsoon blockbuster for the fast-growing pickleball community.

    Speaking about the upcoming edition, Global Sports founder Hemal Jain said, “Our vision with the Monsoon Pickleball Championship has always been to give Indian athletes a global platform and redefine the scale of racquet sports in India. With MPC 3.0, we’re not just raising the bar, we’re setting a new benchmark for international pickleball events in Asia.”

    Last year’s edition saw competitors clash in over 40 categories, drawing massive attention from fans and sports enthusiasts alike. MPC 3.0 now aims to up the ante with more adrenaline, tighter rallies, and a chance to witness rising stars stake their claim on the global stage.

    Registrations are now open, and with that prize money and prestige on the line, it’s game on. Rain or shine, Navi Mumbai’s about to get loud.

  • Pickleball goes big: Indian Open League 2025 set to smash expectations!

    Pickleball goes big: Indian Open League 2025 set to smash expectations!

    MUMBAI: Move over cricket, there’s a new sport in town stealing the limelight—and it’s pickleball!

    In a grand press conference that had as much star power as it did sporting passion, Globalsports announced the launch of the Indian Open League 2025 and the Global Sports Pro and Challenger League—set to be Asia’s largest pickleball tournament.

    What makes this event a big dill? Ten city-based teams, a massive $125,000 prize pool, and Indian cinema glamour, all coming together to elevate pickleball from a niche game to a nationwide phenomenon.

    Fans were buzzing as Globalsports revealed the star-studded roster of teams and their illustrious owners, including celebrities, business moguls, and professional athletes.

    Here’s who’s bringing the heat:

    1.  Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors – Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor leads the charge.

    2.  Ahmedabad Olympians – Anmol Patel and Aditya Gandhi take the reins.

    3.  Bengaluru Blazers – Entrepreneur Amrita Deora holds the torch.

    4.  Chennai Cool Cats – The Ruia family trio—Anshuman, Radhika, and Yudi—represent Chennai.

    5.  Delhi Snipers – Jai Gandhi and the Bajaj family aim for bullseye.

    6.  Goa Gladiators – A dynamic mix of Samrat Javeri, Atul Rawat, and others lead this team.

    7.  Hyderabad Vikings – Techpreneur Akshay Reddy helms this southern powerhouse.

    8.  Jaipur Jawans – Bollywood director Luv Ranjan joins comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi for Jaipur.

    9.  Kolkata Kings – The city of joy is led by Varun Vora and Rohan Khemka.

    10. Nashik Ninjas – Karishma Thakker heads this swashbuckling squad.

    This isn’t just a sports league; it’s a brewing revolution.

    Speaking about the league’s ambitions, Globalsports founder Hemal Jain said, “Our goal is to elevate pickleball to unprecedented heights. This league is a celebration of talent and unity, showcasing the incredible growth of the sport in India.”

    Globalsports co-founder Shashank Khaitan added, “Pickleball is not just a game; it’s a movement. We aim to inspire young talent and position this sport as a mainstream sensation in India.”

    Indian cinema’s king of drama, Karan Johar, has swapped the director’s chair for a pickleball court, becoming the league’s brand ambassador. With his trademark enthusiasm, KJo quipped, “Pickleball is all about inclusion, fun, and passion. I am thrilled to bring this incredible sport to the forefront.”

    The Indian Open League will run from 3–9 February 2025, at Nesco in Goregaon, Mumbai. With over 1,800 players battling it out on 25+ courts, the event promises a mix of pro and amateur matches, drawing participants from over 15 cities. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned player, this tournament has something for everyone.

    What’s in It for fans? From high-stakes matches to the electric atmosphere created by Indian cinema’s brightest stars, this tournament is shaping up to be a can’t-miss spectacle.

    Who will walk away with the grand prize? Which city will dominate the courts? Can pickleball become the next big thing in Indian sports? Only time shall tell.

    Under the leadership of Hemal Jain and co-founders Niraj Jain, Divyesh Jain, and Suresh Bhansali, Globalsports is leaving no stone unturned in making this tournament a game-changer. With Indian cinema heavyweights like Shashank Khaitan and Yuvraj Ruia onboard, expect a perfect blend of entertainment and sportsmanship.