KIWI Stars take early lead over Hy Panthers as Hyderabad Padel League kicks off

The Hyderabad Padel League (HPL) got off to an exciting start with host team KIWI Stars taking an early lead over Hy Panthers in the women’s doubles, setting the stage for an action-packed eight-week inaugural season.

The league brings together seven teams, KIWI Stars, Hy Panthers, Senses United, Anvita Aces, Hy Rollers, White Horse Padel Club and Apex Strikers, featuring international athletes, leading WTA and ATP players, international badminton players, sporting personalities and celebrities.

Among the prominent participants is Vishnu Pullela, son of renowned badminton coach Pullela Gopichand. Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal and Anam Mirza, sister of tennis star Sania Mirza, are among the personalities associated with participating teams.

Speaking at the Hyderabad Padel League, former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin praised the initiative and described HPL as a unique sporting platform that can help introduce padel to a wider audience in Hyderabad.

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Describing padel as a sport combining elements of tennis and squash, Azharuddin, who is the minister for minorities welfare of Telangana, said he had played the sport once in Dubai and expressed his enthusiasm for supporting the KIWI Stars team. He also highlighted the importance of sport in the lives of young people and urged them to stay away from drugs, bad habits and negative influences.

“Sports can give youngsters a positive direction and help them stay away from unhealthy habits and negative influences. I encourage young people to come and play, enjoy the sport and make it a part of their lives.”

He also appealed to parents to encourage their children to participate in sports, saying that sporting activities can help youngsters remain active, manage stress and develop discipline and confidence. Congratulating the organisers for bringing together seven teams in the inaugural season, he wished HPL continued success and hoped more teams would join the league in the coming years.

“The Hyderabad Padel League is our vision to create something truly significant for padel in India and put Hyderabad firmly on the national and global padel map. The response has been phenomenal, with international athletes, top WTA and ATP players, sporting icons and celebrities coming together. With seven teams competing over eight weeks, HPL is designed to create a completely new sporting experience while building a strong ecosystem for padel,” said Yashwant, founder of Hyderabad Padel League.

“We are extremely proud to host the Hyderabad Padel League and be part of this exciting journey. The opening matches have already showcased the quality and intensity of competition. Taking an early lead over Hy Panthers in the women’s doubles gives us a positive start, and we look forward to an exciting season ahead,” said Rohit Nanda, owner of KIWI Stars.

With NSL Group as title sponsor and Radha TMT as supporting partner, HPL aims to establish Hyderabad as a leading destination for padel in India and create a platform that brings together sporting excellence, entertainment and a growing community of padel enthusiasts.