Pune United Joins World Pickleball League To Promote Community Wellness And Sportsmanship

Pune has taken a notable step in promoting sports and wellness by acquiring a franchise in the World Pickleball League (WPBL). The newly formed Pune United features an ownership team that includes Bollywood stars Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, along with industry leaders Sudhir Mehta of EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, and Ajeenkya D Y Patil of Ajeenkya DY Patil University. This diverse group aims to enhance community spirit, health, and sportsmanship through pickleball.

Riteish Deshmukh expressed his excitement about joining the WPBL, highlighting the sport's rapid growth and its potential to unite communities. He remarked, "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 echoed her husband's enthusiasm, emphasizing pickleball's transformative potential. She noted, "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."

The initiative aims to connect with Pune's vibrant youth by introducing a global sports franchise. Dr. Sudhir Mehta shared his vision: "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 emphasized the team's goal of fostering unity among diverse backgrounds through sports. He stated, "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."

Gaurav Natekar, Founder & CEO of WPBL, expressed his excitement about Pune's inclusion in the league: "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 signifies an important step towards boosting pickleball's presence in India. Known for its inclusivity across age groups, pickleball promotes fitness while encouraging community involvement. With league play starting on January 24th 2025, Pune United aims to become an inspiration for pickleball enthusiasts nationwide.