Hyderabad, January 6th, 2025: KLO Sports, co-owned by passionate sports enthusiasts Sanjay Jupudi and Srinath Chittoori, has announced the acquisition of the Hyderabad Franchise named ‘Hyderabad Superstars’ for the World Pickleball League. Co-founded by Gaurav Natekar and Arati Natekar, the inaugural edition of the league is set to commence on January 24th.
Hyderabad Superstars will be led by renowned coach Jonny Andrews, popularly known as ‘Jonny Pickleball’. Jonny comes with extensive experience in the sport having been associated with Pickleball since 2016 and will get an opportunity to train a formidable roster, including Indian Pickleball sensation Kuldip Mahajan, who was part of the winning team at the WPC held in Mumbai. Joining Mahajan are international stars such as Max Freeman, Ava Cavataio, Ross Whittaker, Madalina Grigoriu, Karolina Owczarek, Ben Cawston, and Ludovica Sciaky.
Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of the World Pickleball League expressed his enthusiasm, “We are excited to welcome KLO Sports as the owners of the Hyderabad Superstars. Their deep understanding of the Indian sports landscape will be invaluable to the league. With their commitment to excellence and passion for promoting sports at various levels, we are confident that KLO Sports will elevate the franchise to new heights. Together, we look forward to creating memorable experiences for our fans and contributing towards the vision and the grandeur of the World Pickleball League.”
Srinath Chittoori, Co-Owner of KLO Sports, stated, “Driven by sheer passion, we are always seeking unique and exciting opportunities in the world of sports, and World Pickleball League presented just that. Impressed by Gaurav and Arati’s plans and vision for the league and the rapid rise of the sport’s popularity in India, we decided to associate with the World Pickleball League as team owners. 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, share their passion, and embrace the fun and camaraderie that pickleball brings.”
Mr. Sanjay Jupudi, Co-Owner of KLO Sports, added, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey into the exciting world of pickleball—a sport that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. 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 honored to represent the city in this league, adding to its rich sporting legacy. This moment is especially meaningful to me. As a 12-year-old, I and my 10-year-old cousin unknowingly created a version of this game, making it all the more rewarding to see pickleball gain recognition in India. We look forward to contributing to its growth and success in the country.”
The World Pickleball League will commence on January 24th at the iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai. The league will feature teams from Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad.
About the World Pickleball League (WPBL)
The World Pickleball League (WPBL), promoted by Natekar Sports and Gaming, founded by former India Number 1 Tennis players, Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, is at the forefront of revolutionizing pickleball in India. WPBL is dedicated to transforming pickleball through exceptional events, engaging fan experiences, and fostering a vibrant pickleball community while setting new standards for the sport. Set to debut in January 2025 with six teams, WPBL will also sponsor grassroots tournaments in each franchise city to develop local talent. With Sony Corporation as an investor and partner, WPBL works closely with the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which is affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) in the USA.
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