Hyderabad: KLO Sports, a sports management company co-owned by passionate enthusiasts Sanjay Jupudi and Srinath Chittoori, has announced its acquisition of the Hyderabad Superstars franchise for the inaugural edition of the World Pickleball League (WPL), set to begin on January 24th, 2025. The league, co-founded by Gaurav Natekar and Arati Natekar, promises to bring the rapidly growing sport of pickleball to the forefront of Indian sports.
Under the leadership of renowned coach Jonny Andrews, affectionately known as ‘Jonny Pickleball’, the Hyderabad Superstars are poised to become a formidable force in the league. Jonny, a veteran of the sport since 2016, will lead the team, which includes some of the top players in both Indian and international pickleball, such as Indian sensation Kuldip Mahajan, Max Freeman, Ava Cavataio, Ross Whittaker, Madalina Grigoriu, Karolina Owczarek, Ben Cawston, and Ludovica Sciaky.
Gaurav Natekar, Co-Founder and CEO of the World Pickleball League, shared his excitement, stating:
“We are excited to welcome KLO Sports as the owners of the Hyderabad Superstars. Their deep understanding of the Indian sports landscape will be invaluable to the league. With their commitment to excellence and passion for promoting sports at various levels, we are confident that KLO Sports will elevate the franchise to new heights. Together, we look forward to creating memorable experiences for our fans and contributing towards the vision and the grandeur of the World Pickleball League.”
Srinath Chittoori, Co-Owner of KLO Sports, highlighted the motivation behind the acquisition, “Driven by sheer passion, we are always seeking unique and exciting opportunities in the world of sports, and World Pickleball League presented just that. Impressed by Gaurav and Arati’s plans and vision for the league and the rapid rise of the sport’s popularity in India, we decided to associate with the World Pickleball League as team owners. We believe that with our investment, we can help nurture local and upcoming talent while building a strong community of players and fans. Our aim extends beyond simply creating a competitive team; we want to foster an environment where everyone can come together to celebrate the sport, share their passion, and embrace the fun and camaraderie that pickleball brings.”
Sanjay Jupudi, Co-Owner of KLO Sports, expressed his personal connection to the sport, “We are thrilled to embark on this journey into the exciting world of pickleball—a sport that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The World Pickleball League is a fantastic platform to elevate its popularity and discover exceptional talent across the country. Hyderabad, with its vibrant sporting culture, has embraced pickleball with enthusiasm, and we are honored to represent the city in this league, adding to its rich sporting legacy. This moment is especially meaningful to me. As a 12-year-old, I and my 10-year-old cousin unknowingly created a version of this game, making it all the more rewarding to see pickleball gain recognition in India. We look forward to contributing to its growth and success in the country.”
The World Pickleball League will kick off on January 24th, 2025 at the iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai. The league will feature teams from key cities including Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, Mumbai, and Hyderabad, marking a major milestone in the sport’s rise in India.
