Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is making waves in India. With a rapid 159% increase in participation over the past three years, the sport now boasts over 1,000 venues across the country, especially thriving in cities like Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
Bollywood celebrities and Indian athletes have fueled its growing popularity by actively participating in pickleball events, particularly in Mumbai.
Khar Gymkhana: A Beacon for Pickleball in India
Established in 1929, Khar Gymkhana (KG) has long been a cornerstone for fostering athletic talent in Mumbai. Today, it is a pivotal hub for pickleball in India, featuring five dedicated courts and an engaged community of over 400 players.
KG’s commitment to the sport is evident, with more than 40 members securing medals at state, national, and international levels across all age categories in 2024.
KGPBL: The Evolution of Competitive Pickleball:
The Khar Gymkhana Pickleball League (KGPBL) began its journey in 2019 with six franchises, 70 players, and a single court. Fast forward to 2024, and the league has grown significantly.
Season 5, scheduled for December 20–22, will feature 12 franchises, over 150 players, and 69 matches spread across seven courts. The league promises intense competition with skill-based matchups and innovative formats that cater to different genders and age groups.
Top Indian players like Armaan Bhatia, Harsh Mehta, Aditya Ruhela, Naimi Mehta, and Mihika Yadav will headline the event, ensuring high-quality gameplay for fans and stakeholders alike.
The League Format and Viewer Engagement:
The league will adopt a round-robin format, with each team playing once against every other team.
Matches will consist of six games of one set each, played up to 15 rally points.
The top four teams, based on total points, will advance to the semifinals, ensuring each match remains competitive and meaningful.
KGPBL 5 is poised to deliver over 4,000 minutes of live content, engaging a digital audience of more than 125,000 viewers.
With media and live-streaming partners amplifying its reach, the league is set to make a significant impact on India’s sports ecosystem.
Sponsorship Opportunities: Building a Sporting Legacy:
KGPBL 5 offers brands a unique platform to align with one of India’s fastest-growing sports.
Sponsorship opportunities range from title and powered-by partnerships to official equipment and hydration collaborations.
Benefits include prominent logo placement on jerseys, trophies, and medals, live-streaming channels, and on-ground venue branding.
Sponsors can also engage with players through meet-and-greet sessions and exclusive marketing activations.
A Promising Future for Pickleball in India:
The World PickleBall League, backed by Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures India (SETVI) with a $10 million investment, is further propelling the sport’s growth.
This investment underscores the increasing demand for pickleball, not just as a recreational activity but as a competitive sport with significant market potential.
As KGPBL Season 5 approaches, it stands as a testament to pickleball’s rising stature in India.
With its strategic format, star players, and robust sponsorship framework, the league is shaping the future of pickleball, setting a benchmark for sports innovation in the country.
The post Pickleball in India: The Rise of a Dynamic Sport and the Upcoming KGPBL Season 5 appeared first on Sportzcraazy.
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