Saina Nehwal Hyderabad Pickleball League: Olympic medalist and badminton star Saina Nehwal has become the co-owner of the Keerthi Warriors team in the Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL). This is her first step into team ownership. The move highlights her commitment to supporting pickleball and growing it at the grassroots level in India.
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Nehwal’s Vision for Pickleball
Saina Nehwal said her goal is to inspire young players and help pickleball grow across the country.
“For me, sport has always been about inspiring people and creating pathways for young talent. Pickleball is at a stage today where badminton was many years ago, it has enormous potential to grow across India. Through the Hyderabad Pickleball League and Keerthi Warriors, I want to contribute to building the grassroots, create opportunities for children and youth, and help this sport reach every corner of the country. I am excited to help build a sporting culture in the city,” said Saina Nehwal.
Support from Keerthi Warriors
Keerthi Reddy from Keerthi Warriors, owned by Keerthi Estates, welcomed her involvement.
“Having a champion like Saina Nehwal join our team Keerthi Warriors is a landmark moment for the Hyderabad Pickleball League. Her journey in badminton perfectly reflects what we are trying to achieve in pickleball: nurturing the sport from the grassroots, providing platforms for young athletes, and making India a powerhouse. Saina’s involvement will give the team and the league credibility and inspire thousands to pick up pickleball,” said Keerthi Reddy.
League Launch and Format
The Hyderabad Pickleball League, organized by Centre Court Sports and Entertainment, will begin in October 2025. It will feature eight franchise teams, with matches scheduled every Friday night from October 10 to November 28. The league is India’s first city-based pickleball league, focusing on inclusivity and community engagement.
Vikrant Kandimalla from Centre Court Sports and Entertainment added, “Having a champion like Saina Nehwal join the Keerthi Warriors is a landmark moment for the Hyderabad Pickleball League. Our vision with HPL is simple: to give the ones who make the time to play on non-descript courts at odd times where no one is there to watch them, a stage worthy of them, while making their friends, colleagues, family be a part of their limelight and success. The league brings together friends, families and acquaintances to a fairytale setting where for a change, the game is about them and their loved ones. It is a way to bring together the community through a sport which while looks easy to learn, is difficult to master. The Hyderabad Pickleball League is a grand pro style spectacle designed for the everyday common man aspiring to be the best they can be.”
Building the Future
Under Saina Nehwal’s co-ownership, the Keerthi Warriors are expected to combine strong competition with community impact. Her involvement brings credibility to the league and could inspire more athletes and fans to embrace pickleball. The HPL hopes to make pickleball a household sport in India.
News in Brief: Saina Nehwal Hyderabad Pickleball League
Saina Nehwal has joined the Hyderabad Pickleball League as co-owner of Keerthi Warriors. Launching in October 2025, the league will feature eight teams playing weekly matches. Nehwal aims to grow pickleball at the grassroots level, while organizers expect her involvement to inspire players and expand the sport in India.
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