Riteish Deshmukh expressed his excitement: “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.”

Genelia Deshmukh added, “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.”

“We wanted to bring a global sports franchise to Pune,” said Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Founder & Chairman of EKA Mobility & Pinnacle Industries, “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, Founder-President, Ajeenkya DY Patil University 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.” 

Speaking about its latest addition to the league, Gaurav Natekar, Founder & CEO of WPBL, said, “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.”

Pickleball’s growing popularity globally is a testament to its ability to bring people together, promote fitness, and provide pure joy. As part of the World Pickleball League, Pune United is poised to elevate the sport nationally, embracing its essence of inclusivity, community building, and its impact on fitness & well-being. The World Pickleball League begins on January 24th, 2025. 

The post Riteish and Genelia Acquire Pune’s World Pickleball League Team with Sudhir Mehta and Ajeenkya D Y Patil appeared first on NRI News.

From music to street culture and sport, Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles has long supported emerging subcultures in India. As a patron of the International Surfing Festival and Covelong Classic, we have fueled the spirit of surfing in India. This year, we also partnered with All You Can Street, India’s first and largest festival celebrating fashion, sneakers, music, and street art, which brought together creative minds across industries. In music, our association with Mahindra has seen us champion iRock and the Mahindra Blues Festival in Mumbai, celebrating the best of India’s independent music.

The Delhi tournament, organized by DUPR and held at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, draws enthusiasts worldwide, with pickleball players at all levels coming together. As part of our involvement, Jawa Yezdi’s Kommuniti of riders will participate in event activities, celebrating both the joy of the sport and the connection that mirrors our motorcycling ethos.

Ashish Singh Joshi, CEO of Jawa Yezdi Motorcycles, shared his excitement for the collaboration, saying, “Pickleball, like motorcycling, thrives on the joy of movement, camaraderie, and community. By supporting the DUPR India Masters, we’re creating new pathways for our Kommuniti to experience the energy of this fast-growing sport. For us, this is more than just a partnership; it’s a celebration of the same spirit that brings our riders together.”

This association with pickleball highlights Jawa Yezdi’s ongoing dedication to subcultures that foster both new experiences and timeless community bonds. With riders and athletes gathering to celebrate sport, movement, and freedom, the DUPR India Masters promises to be a memorable chapter for the brand and a defining event for India’s vibrant pickleball scene.

The Jawa Motorcycle Line-up includes Jawa 350, Jawa 42, 350 Jawa 42 FJ, Jawa 42 Bobber, and Jawa Perak.
The Yezdi Motorcycle Line-up includes the Yezdi Roadster, Yezdi Scrambler, and Yezdi Adventure.

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