Pune, India: The Pune Open, a flagship stop on the WPBL On Tour series, concluded its four-day pickleball festival from December 4 to 7 with tremendous energy and enthusiasm at the vibrant Ajeenkya D Y Patil University campus. The event brought together over 400 players, sports fans, students, celebrities, and families, transforming the university grounds into one of Pune’s most dynamic sporting arenas of the year.
As a key lead-up event to the World Pickleball League in January, the Pune Open showcased the rapid rise of pickleball in India. Athletes across age groups competed in Men’s & Women’s Singles, Men’s & Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, spanning Under-14, Under-18, Open, 35+, and 50+ categories. Matches were packed with intensity, strategy, and spirited sportsmanship, earning loud cheers from full stands throughout the festival.
A Festival of Sport, Culture, and Community
Beyond competitive play, the ADYPU campus buzzed with festival-style experiences. Music zones, interactive areas, lifestyle stalls, and food partners including Roll Mania, The Dough Cup, Communion Café, Mazal, The Pet, and The Sexy Chaat added to the celebration. Brand partners such as Babolat, HNDRD, Dragon Hill, Rager, and Red Bull amplified the energy across the venue.
Celebrity Presence Elevates the Finale
The closing day witnessed a surge of excitement as Riteish Deshmukh & Genelia D’Souza (owners) made special appearances. Their interactions with players and fans brought star power and added encouragement to the local community.
Team owners Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil, Ms. Pooja Patil, Dr. Sudhir Mehta, and Mrs. Sunanda Mehta, were also present, reinforcing their shared commitment to strengthening Pune’s sporting ecosystem.
Leadership Speaks
Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil, President of ADYPU, expressed pride in hosting the event: “This tournament demonstrated how sport can unite people, ignite passion, and inspire excellence. We are proud to host the Pune Open at ADYPU and thrilled to see Pune embrace this dynamic sport with such enthusiasm”.
Gaurav Natekar, Founder & CEO of the World Pickleball League, added: “The Pune Open 2025 is a pivotal milestone for WPBL On Tour. Together with Pune United, we aim to create lasting pathways for players, brands, and fans across the country.”
Pune United Makes Its Mark
Pune United—the city’s official WPBL franchise co-owned by Dr. Sudhir Mehta, Mrs. Sunanda Mehta, Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil, and Ms. Pooja Patil continued its strong year after reaching the semifinals of the inaugural World Pickleball League in Mumbai (January 2025).
Actor-owners Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza expressed their excitement: “Hosting Pune’s first-ever Pickleball Open is a moment of pride for all of us at Pune United. This sport brings people of all ages together, and we’re committed to giving local talent a world-class platform right here in Pune. Special thanks to Dr Ajeenkya DY Patil for hosting the matches as venue partner and whole-hearted support for the entire event.”
Building a Sporting Legacy for Pune
The Pune Open closed with a high-energy live performance by rapper Shreyas Sagvekar, concluding four days of sport, culture, and celebration. A major highlight of the Pune Open was the stellar performance of Kuldip Mahajan and Isha Lakhani, who emerged as standout champions of the league.
Organizers aim to develop the Pune Open into an annual landmark sporting festival, strengthening Pune’s growing identity as a hub for emerging sports and community-driven experiences.
