Global Sports, a pioneering force behind the burgeoning Pickleball wave in India, is thrilled to announce a landmark event featuring the renowned filmmaker and cultural icon, Karan Johar, as their Global Sports Partnership Ambassador.
Over the last 3 to 4 years, Pickleball’s popularity has surged, particularly in India, where in Mumbai alone, the number of Pickleball courts has soared from a mere 15 to an impressive 250 in just the last year. What sets it apart is its unique ability to foster a sense of community, attracting men, women, and individuals of all ages. The sport has gained immense popularity among those aged 35-plus and 50-plus, with amateur tournaments witnessing enthusiastic participation from hundreds of players.
Global Sports, founded by Hemal Jain, Divyesh Jain, Suresh Bhansali, and Niraj Jain, has been at the forefront of promoting Pickleball in India for the past two years. The addition of Shashank Khaitan and Meghashrey Founder, Seema Singh, as a partner in 2023 marked a significant turning point, leading to increased promotion and investment in the Pickleball ecosystem. He says, “The goal has always been to ensure the inclusion of Pickleball in the Olympics while also making this a household sport in India.”
Yudi Ruia’s partnership further strengthened the team, bringing international exposure and corporate connections to the table.
Karan Johar, a stalwart in India’s pop culture movement since his directorial debut in 1998, has been a trendsetter in the realms of films, fashion, and entertainment. Taking on the responsibility as a brand ambassador, he says, “Its truly heartening to work with visionaries that look at making the sport a household name. I hope for its meteoric rise and its final inclusion in the Olympics at some stage.”
By joining forces with Karan Johar, Global Sports aims to extend the joy of Pickleball – a sport that embodies fun, fitness, and family values – across India and the Middle East. The hope is that, with Karan Johar wielding a Pickleball paddle, more Indians will be inspired to embrace the game, experience its addictive charm, and enjoy the profound fitness benefits it offers.
The tournament, Indian Open 2024 is all set to take place at NSCI dome, starting February 7 – 11, 2024.
About Global Sports
Formed a year and a half ago, Global Sports has been setting up an ecosystem for Pickleball in Mumbai, Goa and across India. Conducting Coaching, providing courts to play, organizing tournaments in Mumbai and Goa. It aims to make Pickleball a household name and provide athletes an opportunity to make this game a career. With Shashank Khaitan the prolific Indian film writer, producer, and director leading the initiative to promote the growing sport of Pickleball.
