India’s Premier Pickleball Tournament: India’s first franchise-based pickleball league, the World Pickleball League (WPBL), is gearing up for its highly anticipated launch on 24 January 2025. The league has created a buzz with an energetic digital video campaign directed by renowned filmmaker Bijoy Shetty, showcasing the rising popularity of pickleball across the country. The campaign is designed to set the stage for a thrilling pickleball event that runs until 2 February 2025.
Digital Video Campaign Highlights Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
The World Pickleball League’s digital video campaign captures the fervor surrounding pickleball in India. The DVC (digital video campaign) introduces the sport as more than just a game; it’s becoming a national phenomenon.
Directed by Bijoy Shetty, known for his creative genius, the campaign highlights the excitement and energy of both players and fans.
“Creating something for a dynamic sport like Pickleball, which is taking the world by storm, was an exciting challenge. Inspired by the energy and enthusiasm of Pickleball players and its fans, I wanted the ad to capture the same thrill that drives this incredible sport.” – (Bijoy Shetty)
Pickleball has become a sensation in India, similar to the craze surrounding cricket. It is sweeping across communities, with more and more people taking to pickleball courts.
“It was a joy to bring my own perspective to it, and I hope everyone enjoys the ad and the upcoming league as much as I enjoyed working on it. I know I’ll be on the edge of my seat watching the league unfold!” – (Bijoy Shetty)
The video portrays how the sport is accessible to all, from backyard games to serious pickleball tournaments. This campaign sets the tone for the upcoming World Pickleball League, emphasizing the sport’s mass appeal and its ability to bring people together.
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The World Pickleball League
The WPBL will feature six competitive teams, each owned by a mix of corporate leaders and celebrities. The league will showcase top talent, with Indian and international players displaying their pickleball technique and strategy.
The matches will be held at state-of-the-art pickleball facilities, with indoor and outdoor pickleball courts at CCI Stadium in Mumbai. Gaurav Natekar, co-founder & CEO of WPBL, shared his excitement, stating,
“We are very excited about the DVC launch. What we wanted to capture is that the league is not only about serious Pickleball, featuring some of the best players in the world, but also about showcasing the fact that anyone, in almost any environment, can play Pickleball. That’s the beauty of the sport. And that’s what we aim to achieve with the World Pickleball League.” – (Gaurav Natekar)
“We aim to bring people together through the sport, creating communities, and building a professional league that is commercially viable for all our stakeholders and partners.” – (Gaurav Natekar)
The matches will be broadcast live on Sony Ten 2 and FanCode, giving fans a chance to watch the action from the comfort of their homes. Tickets for the matches are available through Swiggy Scenes, offering easy access for fans to enjoy the live pickleball tournament.
Behind the Scenes: Creative Insights and Inspiration
Manav Parekh, the executive creative director for the campaign, explained how they drew inspiration from childhood memories of playing cricket.
“Pickleball is blowing up and for good reason! To show that obsession we turned to our childhood days for inspiration. Our obsession to play cricket anywhere and everywhere we could. Use anything as wickets and viola! Similarly, how would using anything/anyone as a Pickleball net look? That’s what this film is. The obsession with Pickleball is here and it’s only going to grow.” – (Manav Parekh)
This sense of nostalgia brings the thrill of pickleball to the forefront, highlighting the sport’s universal appeal.
A New Era for Pickleball in India
The World Pickleball League marks a significant milestone for the sport in India. As pickleball continues to rise in popularity, this tournament promises to solidify India’s place as a key hub for the sport in Asia.
With a focus on community building, the league is set to grow the sport and encourage more people to take up pickleball.
By providing access to world-class pickleball courts and bringing together top players, the WPBL is poised to take the sport to new heights.
The event promises to be an exciting chapter in India’s pickleball journey, combining competitive play with entertainment. Fans are eagerly awaiting the start of the league and the action-packed matches that lie ahead.
News in Brief: India’s Premier Pickleball Tournament
The World Pickleball League (WPBL), India’s first franchise-based pickleball tournament, kicks off on 24 January 2025. The league features six teams and top international and Indian players. Directed by Bijoy Shetty, the campaign highlights pickleball’s growing popularity. Matches will be held at CCI Stadium in Mumbai with live broadcasts.
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