All posts tagged: League Sports

How Lawyer Isheta T. Batra Engineered UPKL’s Rise as a Kabaddi Powerhouse

How Lawyer Isheta T. Batra Engineered UPKL’s Rise as a Kabaddi Powerhouse

Published by Webster

As kabaddi steps into the spotlight of India’s professional sports scene, the Uttar Pradesh Kabaddi League (UPKL) is emerging as a pioneering example of how grassroots sports can evolve into structured commercial ecosystems. Behind its legal and operational strength stands Isheta T Batra — a name central to UPKL’s transformation. At the centre of that structure is Isheta T. Batra, Founder of TrailBlazer Advocates, a boutique law firm specializing in Corporate, Sports, Media, and Intellectual Property law. Since UPKL’s inception, Isheta has been the driving force behind the League’s legal operations, creating a framework that balances commercial vision with legal compliance, sporting integrity, and brand protection. Laying the Legal Foundation: From Chaos to Clarity When UPKL launched, the goal was not just to conduct matches but to build a sustainable league. Isheta played a central role in turning that vision into reality. From athlete and franchise agreements to governance protocols, she built the League’s legal foundation from scratch—ensuring that every stakeholder operated within a clear, fair, and enforceable structure. Her contracts covered critical areas such …

Baseball United Announces Schedule for Historic First Season

Baseball United Announces Schedule for Historic First Season

Published by Webster

DUBAI, UAE (March 25, 2025) – Baseball United, the first professional baseball league focused on the Middle East and Indian Subcontinent, announced today the official dates and schedule for its debut season. The league’s first season will run from November 14th to December 14th, with all games played at Baseball United Ballpark in Dubai. After making history with three signature baseball events over the last three years, Baseball United will now commence the first professional baseball season in the history of the region. The season will feature the league’s founding four franchises, the Mumbai Cobras, Karachi Monarchs, Arabia Wolves, and Mid East Falcons. The teams will each play nine regular season games – facing each other three times each – followed by a best of three United Series beginning December 12th to determine the league champion. Overall, 21 games will be played over 30 days at Baseball United’s new ballpark in Dubai. “Our team has worked so hard, for so long, to make this news official,” said Kash Shaikh, Baseball United Chairman, CEO, and Co-Founder. …

Pune United Edge Out Mumbai Pickle Power in Thrilling Tie-Breaker to Reach World Pickleball League Final

Pune United Edge Out Mumbai Pickle Power in Thrilling Tie-Breaker to Reach World Pickleball League Final

Published by Webster

Pune United clinched a dramatic victory over Mumbai Pickle Power in an electrifying semi-final that went down to the wire, with a tie-breaker ultimately deciding their fate. With this stunning result, Pune United now set up a high-stakes showdown against Atlee’s Bengaluru Jawans in the World Pickleball League Final tomorrow, with USD 100,000 in prize money on the line. The semi-final saw intense battles across all categories. The men’s singles match opened proceedings with a fierce contest between Bartosz Karbownik (Mumbai) and William Sobek (Pune United). Sobek surged to a 9-6 halftime lead, but Karbownik fought back, pushing the match to an edge-of-the-seat 16-16 draw. Pune United took control in the women’s doubles, as Molly O’Donoghue and Talia Saunders dominated Sabrina Mendez and Katie Morris from the outset, racing to a 10-4 halftime lead before sealing a 14-9 victory. Mumbai struck back in the men’s doubles, where Kim Eung Gwon and Mayur Patil battled Vanshik Kapadia and Louis Laville. A tightly contested first half saw the teams locked at 7-7, but Mumbai edged ahead in …

Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal engage in a thrilling face-off, Bengaluru Jawans to Face Pune United

Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal engage in a thrilling face-off, Bengaluru Jawans to Face Pune United

Published by Webster

The World Pickleball League brought not only high-octane competition but also a touch of Bollywood magic as Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal took centre stage for an electrifying exhibition match at the CCI, Brabourne Stadium. The not-so-friendly yet thoroughly entertaining showdown saw Ali donning blue and Aamir sporting black, partnering with Dilli Dillwale’s Lauren Mercado and Chennai Super Champs’ Thaddea Lock, respectively. The packed arena, already familiar with Aamir and Ali’s cinematic brilliance, was in for a fresh spectacle—a thrilling WPBL’s 15-minute doubles match filled with fast-paced rallies, powerful smashes, and playful banter. Aamir and Thaddea quickly took an early lead, but Ali and Lauren fought back fiercely, making for an intense back-and-forth battle. Adding to the entertainment, Aamir and Ali kept the crowd engaged with live commentary, blending humor and competition seamlessly. In the end, Team Aamir Khan triumphed with a 13-8 victory, but the true winners were the fans, who enjoyed a perfect mix of sports, camaraderie, and lighthearted rivalry. The excitement didn’t stop there—the semi-finals of the World Pickleball League also delivered …

Bengaluru Jawans Secure Spot in World Pickleball League Finals

Bengaluru Jawans Secure Spot in World Pickleball League Finals

Published by Webster

Bengaluru Jawans booked their place in the World Pickleball League finals with a 3-2 victory over Hyderabad Superstars. The table-toppers Jawans delivered a composed performance to become the first team to enter the finals- to be played Sunday 2nd February at Mumbai’s Brabourne Stadium. In the men’s singles, Bengaluru’s Jack Foster delivered an explosive performance against Hyderabad’s Ross Whittaker. Jack wasted no time, establishing a 10-0 lead within the first three minutes with his signature power and precision. Despite Whittaker’s efforts to rally later in the match, Foster maintained his aggression to secure a comfotable 24-9 victory. Hyderabad struck back in the women’s doubles, as Ava Cavataio and Madalina Grigoriu dominated the dinking rallies at the net to claim an 18-7 win against Bengaluru’s Trang Hyunh-McClain and Alejandra Borobia, leveling the tie 1-1. In a entertaining men’s doubles encounter, Bengaluru’s Marcello Jardim and Mauro Garcia faced off against Hyderabad’s Ross Whittaker and Max Freeman in a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats. With both teams locked in a tight contest, Bengaluru …

Hyderabad Superstars complete the semi-finals lineup of the World Pickleball League

Hyderabad Superstars complete the semi-finals lineup of the World Pickleball League

Published by Webster

Hyderabad Superstars sealed their place in the semi-finals of the inaugural edition of the World Pickleball League despite a 2-3 defeat to Chennai Super Champs. Chennai needed a massive victory margin to stay in contention but fell short despite a spirited effort. With this result, the semi-finals lineup is confirmed. Bengaluru Jawans, who finished at the top of the table, will face Hyderabad Superstars, while Mumbai Pickle Power, after an impressive league run, will take on Pune United. Both matches will be played on February 1. Chennai Super Champs bow out with a thrilling comeback win Chennai Super Champs ended their campaign on a high, fighting back from 0-2 down to defeat Hyderabad Superstars 3-2 in a dramatic finale. The tie began with Ross Whittaker securing a gritty 21-17 victory in men’s singles, followed by Ava Cavataio and Madalina Grigoriu edging past Anna Patrimonio and Thaddea Lock 20-17 in women’s doubles. At 2-0, Hyderabad looked set for a sweep, but Chennai wasn’t done yet. Etienne Blaszkewycz and Tanner Tomassi sparked the comeback with a dominant …

Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal set to face off at the World Pickleball League

Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal set to face off at the World Pickleball League

Published by Webster

Mumbai, 30th January, 2025: Another electrifying evening of sport and entertainment awaits, as Bollywood stars Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal take to the pickleball court for a special exhibition match at the World Pickleball League (WPBL) on February 1st to add more glamour and excitement to the semi-finals of the league. The two beloved actors will trade the silver screen for the court, putting their reflexes and agility to the test in a fun-filled showdown that promises plenty of thrills and unexpected moments. The actors will be joined by two players from the league in an exhibition of star power and elite pickleball talent kicking off at 7 PM. The World Pickleball league, brain child of Gaurav Natekar and Arati Ponnappa Natekar with the support from All India Pickleball Association made its debut on January 24, 2025. The league features teams from 6 teams – Mumbai Pickle Power, Pune United, Dilli Dillwale, Bengaluru Jawans, Hyderabad Superstars and Chennai Super Champs with 48 players from 14 countries. Excited ahead of his Pickleball game, Aamir Khan, added, …

Pune United Deliver Under Pressure with 5-0 Sweep Over Dilli Dillwale

Pune United Deliver Under Pressure with 5-0 Sweep Over Dilli Dillwale

Published by Webster

Pune United delivered a commanding performance against Dilli Dillwale, sealing a 5-0 victory and confirming their spot in the semi-finals of the World Pickleball League. The young Pune squad showed composure and skill across all five matches, asserting their dominance throughout the tie William Sobek kicked off the tie in style, overpowering Eduardo Irizarry 22-9 in men’s singles. The young star controlled the pace of the game, using his sharp reflexes and tactical play to keep Irizarry on the back foot. In women’s doubles, Molly O’Donoghue and Talia Saunders gave Pune a crucial second win. Despite a spirited fightback from Alexa Schull and Isha Lakhani, Pune maintained their lead, seeing through a tight 10-7 victory. Vanshik Kapadia and Louis Laville put on a stellar display in men’s doubles, taking on Dilli’s experienced duo of Kenta Miyoshi and Leander Lazaro. In a gripping contest, Pune’s young pair held their nerve to secure a hard-fought 13-10 win, putting their team up 3-0. Brooke Revuelta continued Pune’s winning streak in women’s singles, controlling the game from the outset. …

Bengaluru Jawans Defeat Mumbai Pickle Power to Secure Top Spot

Bengaluru Jawans Defeat Mumbai Pickle Power to Secure Top Spot

Published by Webster

Bengaluru Jawans sealed their place at the top of the standings with a 4-1 victory over Mumbai Pickle Power. The tie saw a mix of high-intensity clashes and standout individual performances. Jack Foster kicked things off in men’s singles with a win over Brandon Lane. After a tight start, Jack took control, finding his rhythm and cruising to a 26-10 victory. The women’s doubles saw Sabrina Mendez and Glauka Carvajal Lane attempt a late comeback, but Bengaluru’s Trang Hyunh-McClain and Alexandra Borobia held on for a narrow 12-11 win. Mayur Patil and Eung Gwon were in full flow in men’s doubles, dismantling Marcello Jardim and Felix Grunert. The Mumbai pair led from start to finish, dominating 22-6. Katerina Stewart regained the momentum for Bengaluru in women’s singles, overcoming Mihae Kwon. Trailing early, Stewart showed her class and completed a 22-14 victory. The mixed doubles match was forfeited due to illness to Mumbai’s Brandon Lane, handing Bengaluru the win. With this 4-1 victory, the Jawans cement their status as favorites. Mumbai Pickle Power will be in …

Pune United overcome Bengaluru Jawans in a nail-biting 3-2 victory

Pune United overcome Bengaluru Jawans in a nail-biting 3-2 victory

Published by Webster

Pune United celebrated their first victory of the season with a well-rounded performance in a closely fought tie, while Bengaluru Jawans suffered their first defeat. The tie began with a thrilling men’s singles match, where Pune’s 17-year-old Mateusz Matysik showcased composure and skill. Despite a spirited comeback by Bengaluru’s Jack Foster, Matysik secured an 18-15 win to give Pune an early lead. Bengaluru responded emphatically in the women’s doubles, as Trang Hyunh-McClain and Alexandra Borobia delivered a dominant 28-6 victory over Mollie Knaggs and Talia Saunders, leveling the tie at 1-1. The men’s doubles match was another highlight, with Pune’s William Sobek and Vanshik Kapadia combining effectively. They led 7-5 at halftime and extended their advantage to claim a 13-8 victory, putting Pune ahead 2-1. In the women’s singles, Katerina Stewart’s precision and endurance proved too strong for Pune’s Brooke Revuelta. Stewart pulled away in the second to win 22-13, taking the tie to a decisive mixed doubles match. The mixed doubles saw Pune’s Molly O’Donoghue and Louis Laville dominate Bengaluru’s Trang Hyunh-McClain and Jack …