Bollywood Duo Teams Up with KLO Sports to Promote Pickleball in India
In a significant move to popularize pickleball across India, Bollywood actresses Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani have joined hands with KLO Sports as co-owners of the Hyderabad Superstars, a team that will be competing in the World Pickleball League (WPBL) starting in Mumbai.
The WPBL, co-founded by former tennis players Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, has gained rapid traction globally, with pickleball becoming the fastest-growing sport worldwide. The league aims to inspire a new generation of players across India and beyond.
Rakul Preet Singh, known for her acting prowess in Bollywood, expressed her excitement about joining the WPBL, saying, "Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world, and I'm thrilled to be a part of this exciting journey. Joining Hyderabad Superstars marks an incredible new chapter in my sports adventure, and I wish the team all the best for their World Pickleball League debut."
Jackky Bhagnani, another Bollywood actor and sports enthusiast, welcomed the partnership with Rakul Preet Singh, stating, "As a sports fan and owner of Hyderabad Superstars, I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with KLO Sports. With pickleball booming across generations, we're poised to inspire more people to take up this exciting sport."
Hyderabad Superstars will be led by experienced coach Jonny Andrews, who has been associated with the sport since 2016. The team boasts an impressive lineup of players, including Indian Pickleball player Kuldip Mahajan and international players Max Freeman, Ava Cavataio, Ross Whittaker, Madalina Grigoriu, Karolina Owczarek, Ben Cawston, and Ludovica Sciaky.
The partnership between KLO Sports and Rakul Preet Singh-Jackky Bhagnani demonstrates the growing interest in pickleball among Indian sports enthusiasts. Srinath Chittoori, co-owner of KLO Sports, expressed his confidence that the team's investment will foster a strong community of players and fans, while inspiring local and upcoming talent.
"It's an honor to have Rakul Preet Singh-Jackky Bhagnani join our family at Hyderabad Superstars. We believe that their presence will be inspirational to all, and we're committed to building a stronger community of pickleball enthusiasts in India," said Srinath Chittoori.
KLO Sports' co-owner Sanjay Jupudi added, "We're thrilled to partner with Rakul Preet Singh-Jackky Bhagnani to bring the excitement of World Pickleball League to Hyderabad and India. Our partnership is a testament to our dedication to popularizing pickleball across the country."
The inaugural season of the WPBL will commence on January 24th, 2025, in Mumbai, marking an exciting new beginning for Indian pickleball enthusiasts.
To be continued...