All posts tagged: World Pickleball League

Aamir Khan suffers fall during World Pickleball League game; what he did next impresses fans. Watch

Aamir Khan suffers fall during World Pickleball League game; what he did next impresses fans. Watch

Superstar Aamir Khan made an appearance at the World Pickleball League (WPBL) 2026 in Mumbai on Saturday, where he joined fans for a friendly game. The match briefly took an unexpected turn when the actor slipped on the court mid-play. On Saturday, Aamir joined the World Pickleball League (WPBL) 2026 to play an exhibition game with three fans at the Jio World Garden in Mumbai. However, staying true to his sporting spirit, Aamir quickly got back on his feet, flashed a smile, and carried on with the game, earning cheers from those present. Aamir Khan stumbles On Saturday, Aamir joined the World Pickleball League (WPBL) 2026 to play an exhibition game with three fans at the Jio World Garden in Mumbai. Saturday was the day for the two semi-finals of the second season of the WPBL. Aamir played two games with the fans. Several videos from the event have surfaced on social media, with one clip in particular drawing significant attention. The video shows Aamir playing the game. As he moves forward on the court …

World Pickleball League Season 2 Draft welcomes global talent from 18 countries

World Pickleball League Season 2 Draft welcomes global talent from 18 countries

The World Pickleball League (WPBL) entered a new chapter today as the Season 2 Player Draft was conducted in Mumbai. All seven teams finalised their eight-member squads from a pool of 114 registered players, representing 25 countries across five continents. The final roster of 56 players features a mix of experienced athletes and emerging young talent from around the world, representing 18 nationalities, making this WPBL’s most diverse line-up yet. Season 2 introduces a more layered competitive landscape. The draft room was sharper, with teams deploying stronger scouting systems and different strategies to build balanced squads. Gaurav Natekar, Founder and CEO of WPBL, said, “This draft is reflective of the future we are building. Over a year ago, WPBL was an idea, and now players across continents are choosing this league. The scouting this year was far more evolved, and what excites us most is the surge of young talent entering the system. You can feel a shift in the energy, the ambition, and the belief. Every franchise has been deliberate and strategic, covering all …

Sonu Kumar rides the Pickleball wave

Sonu Kumar rides the Pickleball wave

In the small town of Dhanbad, a little boy picked up a padel as a means to kill time with his friends. Little did he know at the time that the lesser known sport would take him on a life-changing journey. Jharkhand-based Pickleball professional Sonu Kumar Vishwarma might have had an unlikely inception into the sport, but he has now made a name for himself. The 22-year-old just finished his first season with the Chennai Super Champs at the World Pickleball League, and while the team might have had a rough time, Sonu is here to stay. Unlikely beginning Sonu Kumar’s pickleball journey began unconventionally, on the rooftop of an inoperable hospital in Dhanbad. At a time when the sport had little recognition in India, he and his friends built a makeshift court and played purely for the love of the game. “When I started pickleball, it wasn’t much of a craze, but somehow, I got attached to the sport and started playing it for fun,” he said, in an interview with The Bridge. What …

World Pickleball League: Bengaluru Jawans crowned champions

World Pickleball League: Bengaluru Jawans crowned champions

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,” …

Aamir Khan, Ali Fazal Lock Horns At World Pickleball League, Their Banter Amidst Match Goes Viral | WATCH

Aamir Khan, Ali Fazal Lock Horns At World Pickleball League, Their Banter Amidst Match Goes Viral | WATCH

Last Updated:February 01, 2025, 20:54 IST Aamir Khan and his 3 Idiots co-star Ali Fazal had a face off at the pickleball court for a special exhibition match at the World Pickleball League (WPBL). Check out the video! Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal went head-to-head at the pickleball court. Aamir Khan and Ali Fazal went head-to-head at the pickleball court on Saturday, for a special exhibition match at the World Pickleball League (WPBL). The semi-finals got an exciting twist as the two Bollywood stars hit the court and showcased their athletic side. It was Aamir Khan versus Ali Fazal at the match, and they were joined by two players from the league during the match. A video from their pickleball match has gone viral on social media, and it shows the 3 Idiots co-stars engaging in friendly banter amidst the match. A video shared by Bollywood Helpline on Instagram shows Ali Fazal and Aamir Khan flaunting their sporty side as they locked horns in a pickleball game. Aamir hilariously tells Ali that he is quite …

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

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

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

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

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

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 …

Hyderabad Superstars Overpower Dilli Dillwale with a Commanding 4-1 Win

Hyderabad Superstars Overpower Dilli Dillwale with a Commanding 4-1 Win

Hyderabad Superstars showcased their dominance in the World Pickleball League with a resounding 4-1 victory over Dilli Dillwale. Eduardo Irizarry provided a blistering start in the men’s singles, racing ahead and didn’t look back in a commanding 24-9 win over Max Freeman. Superstars hit back in the women’s doubles, where Ludovica Sciaky made her debut alongside Karolina Owczarek, securing a low-scoring yet entertaining 14-7 victory for Hyderabad. The men’s doubles saw Hyderabad extend their lead in a tightly contested battle. Despite a determined second-half fightback from Dilli, Ross Whittaker and Max Freeman held their nerve to edge past Kenta Miyoshi and Leander Lazaro 10-8. With the tie on the line, Madalina Grigoriu delivered a stellar performance in the women’s singles, using her precision and power to defeat Alexa Schull 22-8, sealing the win for Hyderabad. The mixed doubles saw yet another hard-fought contest, but despite Dilli’s efforts, Hyderabad secured the final win of the day at 11-9, completing their dominant display. As the league heads toward its decisive phase, all eyes will be on tomorrow’s …