Mumbai: Global Sports, a sports management firm and a trailblazer in promoting pickleball, has announced the much-anticipated Indian Open 2025, Asia’s largest pickleball championship. This marquee event, scheduled to take place from February 3rd to 9th, 2025, in Mumbai, promises an extraordinary showcase of talent and entertainment.
With a record-breaking prize pool of $125,000, the tournament will feature over 1,800 players competing across multiple categories on 25+ courts, representing 15+ cities. The event will host both pro and amateur leagues, attracting emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike.
Adding to the excitement, renowned filmmaker and cultural icon Karan Johar has joined as the brand ambassador, bringing a fresh spotlight to pickleball as a sport and lifestyle. Bollywood writer, director, and producer Shashank Khaitan has also partnered with Global Sports, reinforcing the organization’s vision of elevating pickleball in India.
Speaking about his role, Karan Johar said, “Pickleball holds a special place in my heart because it’s not just about the sport—it’s about the connections it fosters and the joy it brings. When I first experienced pickleball with Global Sports, I was struck by their passion and vision to make it a cultural phenomenon in India. Being part of this journey feels deeply personal, and I can’t wait to see how this incredible community continues to grow.”
Shashank Khaitan, sharing his enthusiasm, remarked, “Pickleball is a sport that combines strategy, athleticism, and camaraderie, and I am honored to be part of its growth in India. Through the Indian Open 2025, we aim to set a new benchmark for the sport and inspire more people to experience its magic.”
The Indian Open 2025 also marks the launch of the Global Sports Pickleball Pro & Challenger League, an ambitious initiative designed to further the sport’s appeal. Excitement is building as big names from the Indian film industry are expected to invest in regional teams, adding a new layer of glamor and engagement to the event.
Founder Hemal Jain, speaking on the tournament and Global Sports’ mission, said, “Pickleball’s journey in India has been nothing short of extraordinary, and Global Sports is proud to lead this movement. Through our ecosystem of courts, coaching, and iconic tournaments, we’re not only fostering talent but also making the sport accessible and exciting for everyone. The Indian Open 2025 is set to be our biggest milestone yet, showcasing India as the epicenter of pickleball in Asia.”
Global Sports has already built a legacy with flagship events like the Indian Open 2024 and Monsoon Pickleball Championship, which have consistently garnered international attention. The Indian Open 2024, held in Mumbai, was a resounding success with a prize pool of $125,000, star-studded attendance from Bollywood luminaries like Varun Dhawan and sports icons such as Sania Mirza.
Since its inception in 2021, Global Sports has revolutionized pickleball in India under the leadership of Hemal Jain and co-founders Niraj Jain, Divyesh Jain, and Suresh Bhansali. The organization now operates over 40 courts in Mumbai and has expanded to cities like Ahmedabad, Nashik, Gurgaon, New Delhi, and Navi Mumbai, as well as internationally in Dubai. With plans to introduce state-of-the-art pickleball courts across India in 2025, Global Sports is well on its way to cementing pickleball as a lifestyle sport.
