Renowned Indian sporting company KLO Sports is now officially into pickleball, the world’s fastest-growing sport. This developed after the company, co-owned by passionate sports enthusiasts Sanjay Jupudi and Srinath Chittoori, acquired the Hyderabad Superstars of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), which was co-founded by India’s Gaurav Natekar and Arati Natekar.
“Driven by sheer passion, we are always seeking unique and exciting opportunities in the world of sports, and World Pickleball League presented just that. Impressed by Gaurav and Arati’s plans and vision for the league and the rapid rise of the sport’s popularity in India, we decided to associate with the World Pickleball League as team owners,” said Srinath Chittoori, Co-Owner of KLO Sports, about the decision to buy the Hyderabad franchise. “We believe that with our investment, we can help nurture local and upcoming talent while building a strong community of players and fans. Our aim extends beyond simply creating a competitive team; we want to foster an environment where everyone can come together to celebrate the sport, share their passion, and embrace the fun and camaraderie that pickleball brings.”
Sanjay Jupudi, Co-Owner of KLO Sports, is looking forward to finding more talent and growing the sport through the franchise and the league, which he described as a “fantastic platform” for pickleball.
“We are thrilled to embark on this journey into the exciting world of pickleball—a sport that has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The World Pickleball League is a fantastic platform to elevate its popularity and discover exceptional talent across the country,” Jupudi pointed out. “Hyderabad, with its vibrant sporting culture, has embraced pickleball with enthusiasm, and we are honored to represent the city in this league, adding to its rich sporting legacy… We look forward to contributing to its growth and success in the country.”
KLO Sports Gets a Stacked Roster of Superstars
Jonny Andrews, popularly known as “Jonny Pickleball” in the pickleball community, will serve as the coach of the Hyderabad Superstars. Andrews will bring with him extensive experience in the sport, getting involved in it as early as 2016. He will inherit a formidable roster led by Indian pickleball sensation Kuldip Mahajan. Joining him in the Superstars lineup are Max Freeman, Ava Cavataio, Ross Whittaker, Madalina Grigoriu, Karolina Owczarek, Ben Cawston, and Ludovica Sciaky.
No wonder then that WPBL co-founders Gaurav and Arati Natekar are thrilled with KLO Sports’ entry to the league.
“We are excited to welcome KLO Sports as the owners of the Hyderabad Superstars. Their deep understanding of the Indian sports landscape will be invaluable to the league. With their commitment to excellence and passion for promoting sports at various levels, we are confident that KLO Sports will elevate the franchise to new heights,” said Gaurav. “Together, we look forward to creating memorable experiences for our fans and contributing towards the vision and the grandeur of the World Pickleball League.”
The World Pickleball League is set to start on the 23rd of January and will run through the 2nd of February24th. The matches will be held at the iconic Cricket Club of India (CCI) in Mumbai. Aside from Hyderabad, teams from Chennai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Pune, and Mumbai will also be competing in the tournament.
