Chennai: Chennai Super Champs co-owner and leading actor-entrepreneur Samantha Ruth Prabhu today unveiled the team’s new World Pickleball League (WPBL) Season 2 jersey during the inaugural edition of the Chennai Open, held at Sathyabama University. The Chennai Open, organised by Chennai Super Champs, is the franchise’s flagship pickleball tournament and is being hosted at the university’s state-of-the-art indoor facility featuring six dedicated courts.
Marking its debut season, the Chennai Open has already drawn significant attention from the sporting community with more than 500 registrations across 46 categories, making it one of India’s largest pickleball events. With a prize pool of ₹25 lakh — the biggest in the country for the sport — the tournament will conclude on November 16.
The newly unveiled jersey pays tribute to Chennai’s culture, energy, and sporting ethos. Designed around the theme of a new dawn, the jersey features an orange-to-yellow gradient representing the “sunrise over the Bay of Bengal,” symbolising optimism and new beginnings. Kolam-inspired micro-patterns pay homage to Tamil Nadu’s rich artistic heritage, while bold red accents evoke fire, speed, and competitive spirit. The design aligns with the franchise’s broader vision of inclusivity, youth participation, and empowerment.
Speaking at the unveiling, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, owner of Chennai Super Champs, said, “Every time I step into Sathyabama University, I am reminded of why this partnership matters. Chennai loves its sport loud, proud, and with heart. This new jersey is our way of carrying that emotion onto the world stage. Cheering on the participants at the Chennai Open was special, as this is where the future of pickleball begins. I want every youngster in Chennai to know that this sport belongs to them too. As we head into Season 2, our team carries the colours and also the belief of an entire city.”
Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Chancellor of Sathyabama University, added, “We are proud to host Chennai Super Champs once again on our campus and to see pickleball thrive here through the Chennai Open. The university’s state-of-the-art indoor pickleball courts have become a hub for young athletes, and having Ms. Samantha Ruth Prabhu rally with them today was inspiring. This partnership encourages our students to dream big, train well, and explore new sporting pathways.”
Chennai Super Champs co-owner Himank Duvvuru said, “Season 2 is a step up in every sense, stronger team and a bigger vision for how we want Chennai to engage with pickleball. What excites us is how naturally the sport is growing here. The Chennai Open and our collaboration with Sathyabama University are proof that when you give this city access and opportunity, it responds with energy and enthusiasm. The new jersey is symbolic of our intent to build something lasting, meaningful, and rooted in community.”
With its six indoor courts, regular grassroots development programs, and flagship initiatives such as the Chennai Open, the Chennai Super Champs — in partnership with Sathyabama University — continues to strengthen the foundation for pickleball’s fast-growing presence in the region.
The Chennai Super Champs will debut their new jersey at the World Pickleball League Season 2, scheduled to begin in January 2026 at Jio World Garden, Mumbai.
Chennai Super Champs WPBL Season 2 Full Squad:
- Sonu Vishwakarma (India)
- Tanner Tomassi (USA)
- Simone Jardim (Brazil)
- Ly Hoang Nam (Vietnam)
- Carlota Trevino (Mexico)
- Rika Fujiwara (Japan)
- Do Minh Quan (Vietnam)
- Tea Pejic (Croatia)
Head Coach: Johnny Goldberg (USA)
