Karan Johar and Sania Mirza Join the Pickleball Open: Bollywood director Karan Johar and tennis star Sania Mirza appeared in Dubai on May 6, 2025, to support the Pickleball Open 2025. The event, set to run from May 8 to 11, is gaining attention as pickleball continues to grow in popularity worldwide, including in the UAE.
Karan Johar Celebrates Pickleball
Filmmaker Karan Johar shared his excitement about the sport at a press event, calling pickleball more than just a game. “Pickleball is beyond sport. It’s pop culture. It’s pop-cultural phenomenon,” said Karan Johar.
He spoke honestly about how sports weren’t always a part of his life. He explained that his past struggles with physical activity made him stay away from sports. But things changed when he found an interest in football, and now, pickleball.
“The one aspect of my life and personality that has never been associated with anything close to sport has been the truth of my life and my interest in sport. Because of my own physicality, my own shortcomings, my own limitations, I didn’t veer my life towards sport.” – (karan)
“It made me realise that at any age and stage, you will be relevant in sport. And relevance, darling, is everything.” – (karan)
Teaching Values Through Sport
When asked by Gulf News how he helps his children understand loss, Karan Johar said he leads by example.
“They do martial arts, and even when they don’t win, I don’t give them grief about it. I lead by example.” – (karan)
He added that sport helps build resilience, something he now appreciates.
Sania Mirza Backs the Growth of Pickleball
Former tennis champion Sania Mirza, who also spoke at the event, expressed her support for the sport and how it helps people learn valuable life lessons.
“As an ex-athlete—it still hurts to say ex, trust me—I’m passionate about growing sport globally. Sport builds community, teaches teamwork, and helps people deal with both victory and defeat.” – (mirza)
She noted that interest in pickleball has grown quickly in recent months.
“People keep asking me, ‘Where can we play more pickleball?’ The vibe has really reached Dubai. I’m so proud to be part of this revolution.” – (Mirza)
She also thanked Karan Johar for attending and praised the team working behind the scenes.
“Now is the time to grow. Let’s make pickleball the fastest-growing sport not just globally, but here in Dubai.” – (Mirza)
Joining the Global Movement
With their support, Karan Johar and Sania Mirza join other celebrities like LeBron James and Naomi Osaka, who have also helped raise the profile of pickleball. “Pickleball is the ultimate party central these days and I being late to any party,” said Karan Johar, smiling about his new involvement in the sport.
News in Brief: Karan Johar and Sania Mirza Join the Pickleball Open
Karan Johar and Sania Mirza appeared in Dubai on May 6 to support the Pickleball Open 2025, which runs from May 8 to 11. Both stars praised the sport’s fast growth and community-building power, calling it a cultural movement. Interest in pickleball is rapidly expanding in Dubai and beyond.