Global Sports Pickleball Indian Open 2025: Team Lineup Announced

The Indian Open and Global Sports Pro and Challenger League 2025, a major event in India's sports calendar, has revealed its lineup of ten teams. Bollywood star Karan Johar is the brand ambassador, adding his influence to pickleball.

Hemal Jain leads the initiative with partners Shashank Khaitan and Yuvraj Ruia. The tournament promises to be a significant event in the Indian sports scene.

Globalsports, a leading sports management firm in India, hosted a press conference to announce the Indian Open League 2025. This event is Asia's largest pickleball tournament. It introduced ten city-based teams and their notable owners. The gathering included prominent figures from sports, business, and entertainment sectors.

The teams unveiled at the event represent various cities across India. Each team has influential stakeholders who bring their vision to the league. The Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors are owned by Janhvi Kapoor and Josh Majumdar. Ahmedabad Olympians have Anmol Patel and Aditya Gandhi as owners.

Bengaluru Blazers are led by Amrita Deora, while Chennai Cool Cats have Anshuman Ruia, Radhika Ruia, and Yudi Ruia at the helm. Delhi Snipers are owned by Jai Gandhi, Krish, and Karyna Bajaj. Goa Gladiators' ownership includes Samrat Javeri, Atul Rawat, Rajesh Advani, and Sachin Bhansali.

Hyderabad Vikings are represented by Akshay Reddy. Jaipur Jawans have Luv Ranjan and Anubhav Singh Bassi as owners. Kolkatta Kings' leadership includes Varun Vora and Rohan Khemka. Nashik Ninjas are owned by Karishma Thakker.

Hemal Jain shared his vision for the league: "Our goal is to elevate pickleball to unprecedented heights in India and beyond." Shashank Khaitan added that this league aims to inspire young talent and promote pickleball as a mainstream sport in India.

The tournament will take place from February 3rd to 9th, 2025, in Mumbai at Nesco, Goregaon. Over 1,800 players will compete on more than 25 courts across various categories. Participants come from over 15 cities, featuring both professional and amateur leagues.

Significance of the Event

This prestigious event offers a prize pool of $125,000. It highlights its importance as a transformative occasion in Asian sports. Under Hemal Jain's leadership with co-founders Niraj Jain, Divyesh Jain, and Suresh Bhansali, Globalsports has been crucial in developing India's pickleball ecosystem.

Karan Johar expressed his enthusiasm: "Pickleball is a game of inclusion, fun, and passion." He feels honoured to contribute to promoting this sport further.

Globalsports was founded in 2021 with a mission to boost pickleball's popularity in India. They have created an extensive ecosystem including courts, equipment, coaching services, and high-profile tournaments like the Indian Open.

The organisation plans national and international expansion while fostering community engagement through pickleball events. With over 40 courts in Mumbai alone, Globalsports sets high standards for the sport's growth into a cultural phenomenon.