Bengaluru Jawans created history by beating Pune United 3-1 to become the champions of the inaugural edition of the World Pickleball League –India’s first franchise-based Pickleball league.

The high-octane final saw Bengaluru Jawans face Pune United, two teams that took contrasting yet rewarding paths to the summit clash.

Jack Foster’s dominant 26-8 win in men’s singles set the tone, followed by Trang Hyunh-McClain and Alejandra Borobia’s 13-9 victory in women’s doubles.

Pune fought back with William Sobek and Vanshik Kapadia’s 15-6 men’s doubles win but Katerina Stewart’s 21-9 triumph over Brooke Revuelta sealed Bengaluru’s championship.

Reflecting on the victory, Stewart shared, “I’m super grateful and so happy – I still can’t believe it’s happening. These 10 days of pickleball in India have been absolutely crazy.

“I came here for the experience, and I definitely got that. Winning with my team made it even more special. There were tough moments, like at 5-5 today, when I was panicking a little, but I reminded myself to stay calm and control what I could – and it worked,” she added.

The winning team walked away with $100,000, while the runners-up and standout performers of the league were also felicitated. The World Pickleball League has set the stage for a new era in Indian sports entertainment, proving that Pickleball is here to stay.

Conceptualized by Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar, the World Pickleball League is India’s first-ever professional franchise-based Pickleball league. Featuring an intense 90-match format across 15 ties, each comprising five matches, the league kept fans at the edge of their seats.

The introduction of a 15-minute timed format ensured non-stop action, while innovative elements like PicklePlay further heightened the thrill, making every match an electrifying experience.