Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh acquired the World Pickleball League’s Pune team along with Sudhir Mehta and Ajeenkya D Y Patil
Pune, 5th December 2024: The World Pickleball League (WPBL) is proud to announce the addition of Pune United, the city’s first-ever professional pickleball team. The team is led by a high-profile group of owners, including Bollywood stars Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, renowned corporate leaders Sudhir and Sunanda Mehta from EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, and distinguished educators Ajeenkya D Y Patil and Pooja Patil from Ajeenkya DY Patil University.
Riteish Deshmukh expressed his enthusiasm about the initiative, stating, “Pickleball is rapidly becoming one of the most popular sports worldwide, captivating people of all ages. We are thrilled to be part of the World Pickleball League, and with Pune United, we aim to inspire not just our players, but also families and communities to embrace the sport and lead healthier, more active lives.”
Genelia Deshmukh echoed her husband’s sentiments, adding, “Pune United is all set to bring energy and excitement to the game. Pickleball has the unique ability to unite and inspire, and we want to cultivate a culture that goes beyond the court. Our focus is on fostering wellness, camaraderie, and fun, enriching the lives of our players and the wider community.”
Dr. Sudhir Mehta, the founder of EKA Mobility and Pinnacle Industries, emphasized the city’s vibrant potential, saying, “Pune is an energetic city, brimming with students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and academics. Pickleball is the perfect fit for this dynamic environment—it’s fun, accessible, and promotes a healthy lifestyle. With Pune United, we aim to not only discover and nurture talent but to position Pune as a leading hub for innovation, fitness, and community engagement.”
Ajeenkya D Y Patil, Founder-President of Ajeenkya DY Patil University, spoke about the social impact of the team, saying, “Pune United represents more than just a sports team; it’s about connecting people across age groups and backgrounds. Pickleball is an exciting and engaging sport, and we aim to showcase Pune’s rich culture, potential, and spirit of innovation through this team.”
Gaurav Natekar, Founder & CEO of WPBL, also expressed his excitement for Pune United’s entry into the league. “As a Punekar myself, I’m incredibly excited to welcome Pune United to the WPBL family. This team, with its diverse group of passionate owners, will undoubtedly raise the profile of pickleball and make it a key part of Pune’s sporting and cultural landscape.”
Pickleball has gained remarkable global popularity for its inclusivity, fitness benefits, and community-building spirit. With Pune United joining the World Pickleball League, the team is set to help propel the sport to new heights across India. The WPBL season begins on January 24, 2025, and Pune United is ready to be a game-changer both on and off the court.
