Hyderabad: Olympic medallist and badminton legend Saina Nehwal has officially come on board as the co-owner of the franchise Keerthi Warriors in the Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL).
Launched in October 2025, the Hyderabad Pickleball League is India’s first city-based pickleball league, designed to make the sport accessible to players of all levels.
The league focuses on local participation, inclusivity, and community engagement, with each team blending experienced and emerging players.
The HPL will feature eight franchise teams, with matches every Friday night from October 10 to November 28.
Under Saina Nehwal’s co-ownership, the Keerthi Warriors aim to combine sporting excellence with community impact, embodying the league’s vision of making pickleball a household sport in India.
This marks her first venture into team ownership, opening a new chapter in her journey as an athlete and mentor.
Nehwal, whose achievements have inspired generations of Indians, said her association with the Keerthi Warriors is driven by a desire to nurture and grow pickleball at the grassroots level.
"Through the Hyderabad Pickleball League and Keerthi Warriors, I want to contribute to building the grassroots, create opportunities for children and youth, and help this sport reach every corner of the country. I am excited to help build a sporting culture in the city," said Saina Nehwal.
