Samantha Ruth Prabhu Ventures Into Sports With World Pickleball League Chennai Franchise

The World Pickleball League (WPBL), owned by Natekar Sports and Gaming, has announced actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu as the owner of the Chennai franchise. This marks her debut as a sports entrepreneur, adding a new dimension to her illustrious career.

"Love at first sight — that's exactly how I'd describe my feelings for pickleball. It caught my attention from the moment I was introduced to it. Today, I'm thrilled to be the owner of the Chennai franchise in the upcoming World Pickleball League. I've always wanted to be a part of India's growing sports ecosystem. In recent years, our country has made great progress towards becoming a multisport nation, with a significant increase in women's participation in sports. My goal is to encourage more women and young girls to get involved in sports, and I'm eager to work with Gaurav Natekar and AIPA to drive participation in the sport." said Samantha Ruth Prabhu, owner of the Chennai Team, WPBL.

Focus on Women's Participation

Samantha's involvement highlights her dedication to promoting women's participation in sports. She aims to inspire more women and young girls to engage in athletic activities and entrepreneurship within India's evolving sports landscape.

Gaurav Natekar, Founder & CEO of WPBL, expressed his excitement about Samantha joining the league. "We're thrilled to welcome Samantha Ruth Prabhu as one of the team owners of the World Pickleball League. When I first met her a few months ago, she was very clear about her desire to play a hands-on role in promoting a sport and owning a team, and building communities in Chennai, especially by creating more opportunities for women and girls to play. With 40% of pickleball players being women, Samantha's involvement is a perfect fit for the league."

Upcoming Debut Edition

The debut edition of WPBL is scheduled from 24th January to 2nd February 2025. The event promises an exciting blend of pop culture elements including food, music, and engaging content alongside top-tier pickleball matches.

Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and International Pickleball Federation, shared his enthusiasm: "Pickleball is the fastest growing sport globally, and WPBL is set to be an unmissable event where the world's top players will showcase their talents on Indian soil. Samantha is particularly passionate about increasing female participation in sports and creating opportunities for young women and girls. We at AIPA are excited to collaborate with her to further popularize pickleball across the country."

Samantha's leadership is expected to bring significant attention and growth to Team Chennai. Her star power combined with her commitment could make a substantial impact on pickleball's popularity in India.

The WPBL aims not only at showcasing athletic talent but also at creating an immersive experience that goes beyond just sports. With influential figures like Samantha onboard, it seeks to blend entertainment with competitive spirit.

As anticipation builds for WPBL's debut season, Samantha Ruth Prabhu's role as an owner adds considerable excitement. Her involvement underscores a broader movement towards inclusivity and increased female representation in Indian sports.