Gaurav Natekar Launches World Pickleball League a former tennis champion, is bringing his passion for sports to pickleball by launching the World Pickleball League on January 24, 2025. Alongside his wife Aarti, Natekar aims to elevate the sport’s profile and believes it could reach the Olympic stage.
A Family Legacy in Sports
Gaurav Natekar and Aarti come from families steeped in sports history. Aarti’s parents were renowned athletes in Indian athletics, while Gaurav’s father represented India in badminton. Both Gaurav and Aarti pursued professional sports careers, with Aarti coaching the junior Wimbledon team and Gaurav excelling in tennis.
Their shared passion led them to explore entrepreneurial ventures, including sports consulting and retail. Starting the World Pickleball League marks another milestone in their journey, combining their love for sports and their entrepreneurial spirit.
“We are extremely excited as well as nervous. This is a pioneering effort that Aarti, I, and our team are undertaking,” (Gaurav Natekar about the upcoming league).
Pickleball’s Olympic Potential
Gaurav Natekar strongly believes pickleball can join the Olympic Games. The sport, known for its accessibility and fast-paced nature, is growing rapidly worldwide.
“Pickleball has the potential to make it to the Olympic Games. There is already talk of it being considered for inclusion. If this happens, it would be a significant moment for Pickleball,” (Gaurav Natekar).
This recognition, he notes, would provide a tremendous boost to pickleball’s global growth, making it a viable competitor among other racquet sports.
Transitioning from Tennis to Pickleball
As a tennis player, Natekar found his transition to pickleball smooth but with some adjustments. The smaller court size and the strategic “kitchen area” rules require different skills compared to tennis.
“For instance, the court in pickleball is much smaller. The nature of the game requires players to stay low because the ball stays very close to the ground,” (Gaurav Natekar).
Despite these challenges, Natekar expressed his enjoyment of the game, emphasizing its unique style and appeal for both new and experienced players.
With the World Pickleball League’s debut, Gaurav Natekar hopes to inspire a new generation of athletes while advancing the sport he passionately supports.
News in Brief: Gaurav Natekar Launches World Pickleball League
Former tennis champion Gaurav Natekar, alongside his wife Aarti, is launching the World Pickleball League on January 24, 2025. Combining their sports legacy and entrepreneurial spirit, the league aims to elevate pickleball’s profile. Natekar envisions its Olympic potential, highlighting the sport’s accessibility and rapid global growth, while sharing his enthusiasm for pickleball’s unique gameplay.
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