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.
