Gaurav Natekar’s Vision: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) kicks off today at the prestigious Cricket Club of India. Co-founder Gaurav Natekar, former Indian Davis Cupper, expressed his vision for the league’s inaugural season, aiming to create a significant impact and bring pickleball to the forefront in India. Hosting the event at Brabourne Stadium is an added achievement, given the venue’s exclusive history of hosting only cricket events.
Creating a Special Atmosphere at Brabourne Stadium
“I wanted to create an impact in Season 1 and that is why after many, many years a non-cricket sport has managed to find it as the venue. The CCI never gives permission for non-cricket sports to be played there but now when you come there you will see how we have built up all the facilities and things. That is what is creating a special buzz and special atmosphere for our event.” – (Natekar)
He highlighted the effort put into building world-class facilities at Brabourne Stadium to accommodate pickleball, helping create an exciting buzz around the event.
Beginning of World Pickleball League
Natekar shared that the idea for the league started during a chance encounter with Mr. Arvind Prabhu, President of the AIPA (All India Pickleball Association), at a tournament in Goa.
“We have our own sports consulting advisory and we have some other businesses as well. When we were in Goa, we sponsored a tournament. Mr Arvind Prabhu, AIPA President came and I met him and we got talking and we hit it off. And he said we should do something like a league because it will promote the game and our players. That was the germ of the idea and that is where it all started.” – (Natekar)
Their conversation sparked the vision to create a professional league aimed at promoting the sport and showcasing talent. The idea quickly gained momentum, with Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures joining as a strategic and financial partner.
“We worked on the concept and we worked on the structure. Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures, which is a Sony company came onboard and as a strategic and financial investor which was really brilliant.” (Natekar)
Vision for Pickleball’s Growth in India
“I think the vision of the league is to not only make sure that the top players of the world come and play in our league. It helps to popularise the game of Pickleball. All the new players who are taking to the sport, to come and watch it and enjoy it and that’s why we are having sport as well as enjoyment. Everyday there is going to be entertainment, music, culture, mentalist and comedy and all of that.” – (Natekar)
He emphasized the importance of creating an event that combines sports and entertainment, with activities like music, culture, comedy, and more to attract a wider audience. He also highlighted that 40% of pickleball players globally are women, reinforcing the league’s inclusivity.
“The vision is to create a property that everyone can come and enjoy. About 40 percent women play it and once we do that, we will be able to give value to all our stakeholders. Whether it is the brands or the sponsors.” – (Natekar)
A Diverse Group of Team Owners
The league has also attracted prominent figures from various fields as team owners. Rishabh Pant, Sunil Gavaskar, and Atlee, among others, have joined as co-owners, showing the growing interest in pickleball beyond sports personalities.
“When we planned the league, we wanted the team owners to come in the form of team owners and not as brand ambassadors. They are all team owners. Now you have heard Rishabh Pant has come in as team owner along with Swiggy. Sunil Gavaskar has come onboard as the Delhi team co-owner. Jawan’s director Atlee has come onboard etc. People from varied field are coming forward as team owners.” – (Natekar)
Future Plans for Grassroots Development
Natekar touched on the league’s focus on grassroots development in collaboration with the AIPA. Though he refrained from revealing specifics, he assured that more announcements would be made in the future. He emphasized the importance of cultivating the sport from the ground up to ensure its long-term success.
News in Brief: Gaurav Natekar’s Vision
The World Pickleball League (WPBL) kicks off today in Mumbai, with Gaurav Natekar aiming for an impactful inaugural season.
The league features top international players, entertainment, and cultural activities. Prominent figures like Rishabh Pant and Sunil Gavaskar are team owners. Future grassroots development plans are also in the works.
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