From Jahnvi Kapoor’s Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors to Luv Ranjan and Anubhav Singh Bassi’s Jaipur Jawans, Meet the Visionaries and Team Owners Behind Asia’s Largest Pickleball Event Globalsports – Indian Open League 2025
Mumbai, 4th February 2025: Globalsports, India’s leading sports management firm and the driving force behind the country’s burgeoning pickleball movement, has begun the new year with the much-anticipated Indian Open 2025. Hailed as Asia’s largest pickleball event, this grand tournament promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Under the dynamic leadership of Hemal Jain (Founder) and Niraj Jain, Divyesh Jain, and Suresh Bhansali (Co-Founders), Globalsports in association with celebrated filmmaker Shashank Khaitan joins the board as a partner, while Yuvi Ruia brings strategic acumen to the team. Furthermore, Karan Johar, an iconic filmmaker and tastemaker, serves as the brand ambassador, symbolizing the organization’s vision of blending pickleball with lifestyle and culture.
The Indian Open 2025 & Globalsports Pickleball Pro & Challenger League, scheduled from February 3–9, 2025, in NESCO, Goregaon, Mumbai, is set to be the largest and most prestigious pickleball tournament in Asia. With an unprecedented prize pool of $125,000, over 1,200 + players across the world will compete across multiple categories on 25+ courts.
Here’s an introduction to the visionary team owners leading the 10 city-based teams competing in the league:
- Ahmedabad Olympians: Aditya Gandhi, Anmol Patel
Anmol Patel Anmol Patel, a third-generation entrepreneur, is the driving force behind Ganesh Housing Corporation Limited, reshaping Gujarat’s real estate with innovation and a vision for self-sustainable cities. Leading projects like Tech City, he integrates AI and cutting-edge construction technologies.
Aditya studied Economics at Boston University and graduated in 2018. He worked at a PE Fund in Bombay and an upstart in Bangalore after which he founded his pharmaceutical company Actymo. He brings in the entrepreneurial spirit to Ahmedabad Olympians.
- Bangalore Blazzers: Amrita Deora
Amrita Deora, 26, launched her art and design house with The Designera & Portofino Gallery while also contributing to design in her family real estate business: Aurum Ventures. She is also deeply involved and passionate about the philanthropic initiatives by Aurum नींव.
- Jaipur Jawans: Luv Ranjan, Anubhav Singh Bassi
Luv Ranjan is an Indian film & music director, writer, lyricist and producer who works in Hindi cinema and owns Luv Films. His notable films include the romantic comedies Pyaar Ka Punchnama, Pyaar Ka Punchnama 2, Sonu Ke Titu Ki Sweety, De De Pyaar De and Tu Jhoothi Main Makkar
Anubhav Singh Bassi is an Indian actor, YouTuber and stand-up comedian. His career as a standup comic started after an open mic in 2017. Bassi’s YouTube videos have got 200 million+ views and he has over 4 million subscribers along with 3 million+ followers on Instagram.
- Nashik Ninjas: Karishma Gaurav Thakker, Chetan Thakkar
Karishma with Master’s in Business Management graduate from NMIMS, Mumbai, has expertise in blockchain and leads Thakkers Group’s real estate growth through strategic investments. As Director of Tilak Capital Pvt Ltd, she manages over eight startups and actively invests across industries via Sparks Angel Network. Founder and CEO of a blockchain startup, she champions innovation and entrepreneurship. Additionally, she uplifts Gaudi art, collaborating with Adivasis to preserve traditional textiles and art forms.
Mr. Chetan Thakkar has an experience of over three decades across Financial Services and manages the company’s business affairs. He has a keen understanding of the entire capital market value chain. He also oversees the family office and investments for Kunvarji.
- Goa Gladiators: Samrat Zaveri, Atul Rawat, Rajesh Advani, Sachin Bhansali
A lifelong fitness enthusiast, business owner Atul Rawat is driven to combine his passion for sport with his entrepreneurial spirit, to make pickleball exciting again.
Rajesh Advani is a sports enthusiast who believes in the power of community. He is excited to share his passion for pickleball and build a vibrant network of players
With a successful background in business and a lifelong passion for fitness, Sachin Bhansali is excited to embark on this new chapter, fostering an energetic pickleball team.
Samrat Zaveri is a fitness advocate passionate about bringing people together through sport. Business owner by day, he is now also geared up to get the ball rolling on pickleball
- Kolkata Kingz: Dhruv Mehta, Varun Vohra, Rohan Khemka and Shivaan Ghai
Vora family operates in specialty chemicals, health insurance, software, hospitality, and emergency services. Their flagship ventures include Chemspec Chemicals, a global leader in specialty chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, and HealthIndiaTPA, a top provider of cashless hospitalization and medical check-ups. Through Bhaichand Amoluk Consultancy Services, they manage equity trading. They also invest in Graphite GTC (no-code software), Ellidore (luxury travel), and BSIDESU (ambulance services), showcasing their diverse and innovative business portfolio.
- Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors: Janhvi Kapoor
Janhvi Kapoor is celebrated for her fearless performances and commitment to redefining contemporary Hindi cinema.Since her debut, Janhvi has won hearts with her versatility, taking on diverse roles from tender romances to powerful biopics. Her ability to blend classic Bollywood glamour with a bold, experimental approach has earned her widespread acclaim, marking her as a fresh force in the industry.Off-screen, Janhvi is admired for her philanthropic efforts and trendsetting fashion sense. From championing social causes to dazzling on the red carpet, she inspires younger generations. Her love for global travel, yoga, and wellness adds depth to her dynamic personality, fueling her performances and solidifying her place as one of the most exciting stars of her generation.
Not only has she embraced Pickelball, she was with us during the Monsoon League last year, and we hope to see a lot of her in 2025 with her blazing team – The Mumbai Chatrapati Warriors!
- Delhi Snippers: Krysh Bajaj, Jai Gandhi
Krysh Bajaj is an entrepreneur and the co-founder of REVIV India, a pioneer in wellness and rejuvenation therapies. Bringing the global franchise to India in 2019, Krysh’s foresight and ambition have positioned REVIV as a leader in the growing biohacking movement, catering to a health-conscious, next-generation audience. As the son of Kishor Bajaj, the founder of the iconic Badasaab brand, Krysh carries forward his father’s legacy of innovation and excellence.
Mr. Jai Gandhi participates in the Investment Banking business, specializing in raising capital for Indian businesses. He is a long-only investor in the equity space, both in India and globally.Jai is also building innovative tech solutions in insuretech space to drive efficiency and scale. Additionally, he serves as a provider of Indian and global insurance solutions for clients of all sizes
- Hyderabad Vikings: Akshay Reddy
A graduate in Business Management (Hons) from Nottingham Trent University, Akshay Reddy brings an innovative and futuristic approach to real estate development, demonstrating his potential as a young leader at Cornerstone. With a strong foundation in real estate, he is positioned to lead Cornerstone’s real estate development along with all the new initiatives/diversification arm. His exposure to the industry from an early age has provided him with a deep understanding and unique perspective on the sector. Over the last year, Akshay has been at the forefront of driving Cornerstone’s new initiatives expanding into sectors such as sports, hospitality, and food & beverages. His mission is to identify future business opportunities and strategically drive growth through innovation, diversification, and the development of new sectors that align with Cornerstone’s long-term vision.
- Chennai Cool Cats: Anshuman Ruia, Radhika Ruia and Yudi Ruia
Anshuman Ruia is part of the second generation of the Ruia family that founded Essar. Essar was founded in 1969 by his father, Shashi Ruia, and uncle Ravi Ruia.
Mr Anshuman Ruia is known for his financial expertise and project execution skills. He has overseen Essar’s BPO and Power businesses, and was instrumental in creating Aegis, the BPO arm of Essar. The Aegis business was monetised at a value almost 20 times the investments made. He is also responsible for the expansion and diversification of the Power business into new, renewable energy sources and the expansion of the technology services company across the world.Mr Ruia is a member of the YPO (Young Presidents Organisation), a connoisseur of music and a keen table tennis player.
With a diverse lineup of owners from business, entertainment, and culture, Indian Open 2025 is set to elevate pickleball in India, showcasing the sport’s potential to captivate audiences and inspire players.