Hyderabad Pickleball League: Saina joins Keerthi Warriors as co-owner

This marks Saina's first venture into team ownership, opening a new chapter in her journey as an athlete and mentor

Hyderabad: London Olympics bronze medalist and ace shuttler, Saina Nehwal, joined Hyderabad Pickleball League as co-owner of Keerthi Warriors.

This marks her first venture into team ownership, opening a new chapter in her journey as an athlete and mentor.

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“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 said.

“Through the Hyderabad Pickleball League and Keerthi Warriors, I want to contribute to building the grassroots, create opportunities for children and youth, and help this sport reach every corner of the country,” she said.

Keerthi Reddy from Keerthi Warriors, owned by Keerthi Estates, said having a champion like Saina Nehwal join our team, Keerthi Warriors was a landmark moment for the HPL.

“Saina’s 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,” she said.

Saina’s involvement will give the team and the league credibility and inspire thousands to pick up pickleball.”

Vikrant Kandimalla, from Centre Court Sports and Entertainment, said it would be great to have Sina involved in the HPL.
“Our vision with HPL is simple: to give the ones who make the time to play on non-descript courts at odd times where no one is there to watch them, a stage worthy of them, while making their friends, colleagues, and family a part of their limelight and success,” he said.

The HPL will feature eight franchise teams, with matches every Friday night from October 10 to November 28.