Saina Nehwal, an Olympic medalist and renowned badminton player, has joined the Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL) as a co-owner of the Keerthi Warriors team. This is her first venture into team ownership, marking a new chapter in her sports career.
Saina expressed her passion for sports and her desire to inspire young talent. She compared the current state of pickleball to badminton years ago, noting its potential for growth in India. Through her involvement with the Hyderabad Pickleball League and the Keerthi Warriors, she aims to nurture young athletes and expand the sport nationwide. Saina is eager to foster a strong sports culture in Hyderabad.
Keerthi Reddy from Keerthi Estates, the team owner, highlighted the significance of Saina joining the Keerthi Warriors. Saina’s achievements in badminton align with the team’s goals in pickleball: to develop the sport from the grassroots, offer opportunities to young athletes, and elevate India in the sport. Her participation will enhance the team’s credibility and motivate many to take up pickleball.
The Hyderabad Pickleball League will launch in October 2025 as India’s first city-based pickleball league. It aims to be inclusive and engage the community with teams comprised of both veteran and new players. The league will feature eight teams, with matches held every Friday night from October 10 to November 28. Under Saina’s co-ownership, the Keerthi Warriors plan to blend sports excellence with community impact, striving to make pickleball popular across India.
