Riteish Deshmukh, Genelia On Acquiring World Pickleball League's Pune Team: We Are Excited...

In a significant move towards promoting sports and wellness, Pune has joined the ranks of cities with a franchise in the World Pickleball League (WPBL). The newly announced Pune United boasts a robust ownership team that includes Bollywood celebrities Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, alongside industry stalwarts Sudhir Mehta of EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, and Ajeenkya D Y Patil of Ajeenkya DY Patil University. This diverse group brings a unique blend of entertainment, business acumen, and educational leadership to the burgeoning sport of pickleball, highlighting their collective effort to foster community spirit, health, and sportsmanship.

Riteish Deshmukh shared his enthusiasm about joining the WPBL, emphasizing the sport's rapidly growing appeal and its potential to bring communities closer. He stated, "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."

Echoing her husband's sentiments, Genelia Deshmukh highlighted the transformative power of pickleball, noting, "Pune United is serving up a storm. We are excited to be part of the World Pickleball League. Pickleball has the power to unite, inspire, and transform. Our mission at Pune United is simple: to ignite a love for Pickleball that goes beyond the court. We're committed to fostering a culture of camaraderie, wellness, and fun that will enrich the lives of our players, families, and community."

Bringing Global Sports to Pune’s Youth

The initiative to introduce a global sports franchise to Pune reflects the vision of its backers to connect with the city's dynamic and youthful population. Dr. Sudhir Mehta expressed his aspirations, saying, "We wanted to bring a global sports franchise to Pune. Pune is a young and vibrant city thriving with people from all walks of life, students, entrepreneurs, academicians, young professionals, etc. Pickleball is the perfect sport for today's times—accessible, healthy, and enjoyable. With Pune United, we envision not just nurturing talent but also cultivating a culture that highlights Pune as a hub for innovation, fitness, and community engagement."

Ajeenkya D Y Patil further emphasized the team's goal to transcend sports and foster unity among people of various backgrounds. He added, "Through Pune United, we want to connect people of all ages and backgrounds, fostering a sense of belonging and pride. It is an interesting & engaging sport and as a team, Pune United will represent not only the city's unparalleled potential but also its rich culture and innovative energy."

A New Chapter for Pickleball in Pune

Gaurav Natekar, the Founder & CEO of WPBL, expressed his excitement about Pune's entry into the league, saying, "As a Punekar I am thrilled to welcome Pune United to the WPBL family. The dynamic consortium of owners, with their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for sports, will undoubtedly create a powerful force and elevate pickleball's popularity and aspirational value in Pune and beyond. The city's rich sporting and cultural heritage make it the perfect breeding ground for the sport of Pickleball."

The addition of Pune United to the WPBL marks a significant step towards promoting pickleball's growth in India. The sport is known for its inclusivity and ability to engage individuals of all ages, making it an ideal activity for fostering physical fitness, community engagement, and joy. With the league set to commence on January 24th, 2025, Pune United is poised to become a beacon for pickleball enthusiasts, aiming to elevate the game's status nationally and inspire a new generation of players.