Bollywood stars Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani have become co-owners of the Hyderabad Superstars in the inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL). The WPBL 2025 starts on January 24, featuring six teams, including the newly established Hyderabad franchise. The league will run until February 2, 2025, and marks a significant milestone in India’s growing pickleball scene.
Joining the WPBL
The Hyderabad Superstars were acquired by KLO Sports, with Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani stepping in as co-owners. The league aims to introduce professional-level pickleball to a wider audience and showcase the sport’s global appeal.
Rakul Preet Singh shared her excitement, stating,
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world and is currently being played across age groups. Hyderabad Superstars will only further popularise and inspire players from Hyderabad and across the country to go after excellence. Joining the World Pickleball League is an exciting new chapter in my sports journey and I wish the team the best of luck.” – (Rakul Preet Singh)
Jackky Bhagnani echoed the sentiment, saying,
“Hyderabad Superstars is all set to take over the World Pickleball League. Pickleball is without a doubt, one of the most popular sports across generations and we look forward to inspire even more people to take up the sport.” – (Jackky Bhagnani)
Team Leadership and Key Players
The team will be led by Jonny Andrews, known as Jonny Pickleball, a veteran coach with years of experience in the sport. Under his guidance, the team will feature a talented lineup, including Indian pickleball sensation Kuldip Mahajan and international players like Max Freeman, Ava Cavataio, Ross Whittaker, Madalina Grigoriu, Karolina Owczarek, Ben Cawston, and Ludovica Sciaky.
Jonny Andrews is well-known for his expert pickleball technique and pickleball strategy. His leadership is expected to help the team develop the skills needed to excel in the pickleball tournament.
Focus on Growing the Sport
Srinath Chittoori, co-owner of KLO Sports, expressed confidence in the new ownership team, stating,
“We welcome Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani to the Hyderabad Superstars family and are confident that their presence will be inspirational to all. We believe that with our investment, we can help nurture local and upcoming talent while building a strong community of players and fans. Our aim extends beyond simply creating a competitive team; we want to foster an environment where everyone can come together to celebrate the sport.” – (Srinath Chittoori)
Sanjay Jupudi, another co-owner of KLO Sports, added,
“We at KLO Sports are thrilled to embark on this journey into the exciting world of pickleball alongside Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani. The World Pickleball League is a fantastic platform to elevate its popularity and discover exceptional talent across the country. Hyderabad, with its vibrant sporting culture, has embraced pickleball with enthusiasm, and we are honoured to represent the city in this league, adding to its rich sporting legacy.” – (Sanjay Jupudi)
Impact on Pickleball in India
The Hyderabad Superstars are set to be a key part of the WPBL 2025, which will bring even more attention to pickleball in India. As the sport continues to grow, the league provides a platform for players of all skill levels to compete.
The involvement of high-profile co-owners like Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani is expected to generate more interest in pickleball, helping to further establish it as a popular sport in India.
As the sport’s visibility grows, fans can expect to see more pickleball courts opening across the country, along with more pickleball events and tournaments in the future.
News in Brief: Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani
Bollywood stars Rakul Preet Singh and Jackky Bhagnani have joined KLO Sports as co-owners of the Hyderabad Superstars in the inaugural WPBL. The league starts on January 24, 2025, with top international players and coaches competing for the championship.
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