Rs 15 Lakh Prize Pool Up for Grabs at Pune’s First Major Pickleball Tournament
Pune, 3rd December 2025: Pune is gearing up for its first and biggest pickleball tournament as the Pune Open 2025 takes center stage from December 4 to 7 at Ajeenkya DY Patil University. The four-day championship, organized by #WPBLOnTour in association with Pune United, aims to blend competitive sport with entertainment, food, and culture—marking a major milestone in promoting the rapidly rising game of pickleball in India.
With prize money of ₹15 lakh up for grabs, the event is expected to draw top national talent and enthusiasts from across the country. Competitions will take place in five key categories—Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles—across multiple age groups including Under-14, Under-18, Open, 35+, and 50+.
World Pickleball League Founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar said the tournament reflects the league’s mission to broaden the sport’s footprint nationwide.
“The Pune Open 2025 is a pivotal milestone for WPBL On Tour, bringing together the energy, scale, and purpose the tour set out to create across the country. Along with Pune United, we aim to leave Pune with a lasting legacy by strengthening pathways for players, brands, and fans alike,” he said.
Adding star power to the finale, Bollywood actor couple Riteish Deshmukh and Genelia D’Souza—co-owners of Pune United—will cheer for players on the final day, December 7.
“Hosting Pune’s first-ever Pickleball Open is a moment of pride for all of us at Pune United,” Deshmukh said. “This sport brings people together—kids, parents, seniors. With Pune Open 2025, we want to nurture local talent and give fans a world-class platform right here at home.”
Pune United, the city’s official WPBL franchise, is co-owned by Dr. Sudhir Mehta and Sunanda Mehta of Pinnacle Industries, and Ajeenkya D. Y. Patil and Pooja Patil from Ajeenkya DY Patil University.
Highlighting the growing market for emerging sports in India, Dr. Mehta noted, “Pickleball represents the future of inclusive sport. Our commitment goes beyond competition—we are focused on building sustainable sporting ecosystems with our communities.”
Festival attractions
Alongside matches, the Pune Open will feature a curated lineup of lifestyle, culinary, and entertainment experiences.
Brand partners include Babolat, HNDRD, Dragon Hill, Ravger, and Red Bull.
Food offerings will be powered by Rolls Mania, The Dough Cup, EM Pâtisserie, Communion Café, Mazali, and The Fat and The Sexy Chef.
To conclude the event with a high-energy celebration, rapper Shreyas Sagvekar (of Taambdi Chaamdi fame) will perform live on December 7.
Strong debut for Pune United
The franchise made a mark earlier this year by reaching the semi-finals in the inaugural World Pickleball League held in Mumbai from January 24 to February 2, 2025.
The organizers hope Pune Open 2025 will evolve into a landmark annual sports festival, strengthening the city’s growing reputation as a leading destination for emerging sports and community-driven sporting events.
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