Legendary badminton star Saina Nehwal has stepped into pickleball as co-owner of the Keerthi Warriors franchise in the inaugural Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL), announced on Friday. Set to launch in October 2025, HPL marks India's first city-based pickleball league, aiming to broaden the sport's appeal across all skill levels with eight teams competing in Friday night matches from October 10 to November 28.

"For me, sport has always been about inspiring people and creating pathways for young talent. Pickleball is at a stage today where badminton was many years ago; it has enormous potential to grow across India," Saina stated, drawing parallels to her own career in elevating badminton.

Keerthi Reddy of Keerthi Warriors praised the move: "Her journey in badminton perfectly reflects what we are trying to achieve in pickleball: nurturing the sport from the grassroots, providing platforms for young athletes, and making India a powerhouse. Saina’s involvement will give the team and the league credibility and inspire thousands to pick up pickleball."

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The partnership highlights pickleball's rising popularity in India, blending accessibility with competitive spirit to foster new talent and community engagement.

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