All posts tagged: Pune United

World’s fastest growing sport makes a splash in India – Preview

World’s fastest growing sport makes a splash in India – Preview

Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the world, is all set to make a splash in India. The World Pickleball League, a franchise-based tournament held under the aegis of the All India Pickleball Federation, commenced on Friday at Mumbai. The inaugural edition of the league has six teams in the fray – Mumbai Pickle Power, Chennai Super Champs, Dilli Dilwale, Pune United, Bengaluru Jawans, and Hyderabad Super Stars – battle it out for ultimate glory at the CCI in Mumbai. Much like the sport in general, the World Pickleball League will see a mixture of youth and experience in the six teams with players from 14 countries across the globe. Each team consists of a total of eight players, taking the total tally of players picked up in the draft to 48. All the teams have at least one Indian player in their set-up. A total of 75 players from 20 countries were up for grabs in the draft. How the teams stack up? The home team – Mumbai Pickle Power – will get the tournament …

Pickleball fever grips India as World Pickleball League debuts with a bang

Pickleball fever grips India as World Pickleball League debuts with a bang

The inaugural day of the World Pickleball League was a spectacle to remember, held at the iconic Brabourne Stadium on Friday. With an atmosphere brimming with excitement, the stage was set for an extraordinary opening, and it delivered beyond expectations. The league kicked off with a bang, featuring an electrifying Maharashtra derby between Mumbai Pickle Power and Pune United. With the league’s fast-paced 15-minute-per-match format, fans were guaranteed nerve-wracking and exciting moments throughout, and the first tie delivered exactly that! Grand opener: Maharashtra derby The event was graced by Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder of the World Pickleball League, along with his wife. Joining them were Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, co-owners of Pune United, who brought star power to boost their team’s morale. The tie commenced with an exciting matchup, as both teams fielded their top players, Brandon Lane for Mumbai Pickle Power and Mateusz Matysik for Pune United. However, the support of the star power didn’t matter much as Mumbai Pickle Power’s Brandon Lane completely outclassed Mateusz in every department of the opening clash as the …

Mumbai Pickle Power make thundering start

Mumbai Pickle Power make thundering start

Mumbai Pickle Power grabbed Maharashtra Derby honours with an exhilarating 3-1 victory against Pune United in the inaugural clash of the World Pickleball League (WPBL) at the Cricket Club of India (CCI)-Brabourne Stadium this evening. The curtain raiser lived up to its promising expectations as the match went right down the wire, requiring the poise and composure of Mumbai’s seasoned duo – Brandon Lane and Glauka Carvajal Lane to seal the deal with a sweeping 16-9 win in the decisive mixed doubles tie against Talia Saunders-William Sobek. Mumbai Pickle Power had served off the game convincingly, bagging the opening two men’s singles and the women’s doubles clashes to take a decisive 2-0 lead. However, the Pune men’s doubles duo of Louis Laville and Vanshik Kapadia handed a 12-5 defeat to their counterparts from Mumbai, Kim Eung Gwon and Mayur Patil. The game got further electrifying in the women’s singles fixture, as Mihae Kwon drew 15-15 with Brooke Revuelta. The Mumbai Pickle Power get the show on the road with victory over Pune United in match …

Mumbai Pickle Power face off against Pune United in opening match

Mumbai Pickle Power face off against Pune United in opening match

Mumbai Pickle Power will play the inaugural match of the World Pickleball League against state rivals Pune United at the Cricket Club of India on Friday. Coached by the 25-year-old Sam Basford, who is the youngest tactician in the competition, the Mumbai team is gearing up for an exciting challenge as the tournament kicks off with a derby against the neighbouring Pune United. With a roster boasting a fine blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned campaigners, the home side will want to get their season up and running immediately. Their charge will be spearheaded by Indian pickleball captain, Mayur Patil, and complemented by Brandon Lane, along with Glauka Lane. The South Korean duo of Mihae Kwon and Kim Eung Gwon will add flair and firepower to the line up, whereas the Polish Bartosz Karbownik will focus on cracking maiden performance in the competition. Sabrina Dominguez and Katie Morris complete the power-packed squad that has its eyes set on embracing a positive momentum upfront. Seeking Strong Start Matches are coming thick and fast for Mumbai Pickle …

Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh acquire Pune team

Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh acquire Pune team

The World Pickleball League (WPBL) on Wednesday announced the launch of Pune United, the city’s very own franchise. This team is backed by a dynamic consortium of owners, including the famous Bollywood couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, corporate leaders Sudhir and Sunanda Mehta from EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, and visionary educators Ajeenkya D Y Patil and Pooja Patil from Ajeenkya DY Patil University. ‘Unmatched craze and popularity’ Riteish Deshmukh expressed his excitement: “Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the world. Its craze and popularity are unmatched amongst all ages. We are excited to be part of the World Pickleball League which will surely take pickleball to newer heights across India. Our endeavor at Pune United is to champion a team that will inspire players to give their best and couples, families, and communities to come together and embrace this wonderful game and lead healthier and fitter lives.” Genelia Deshmukh added, “Pune United is serving up a storm. We are excited to be part of the World Pickleball League. Pickleball has the power to unite, …