Saina Nehwal Advocates for Pickleball's Expansion in India
Olympic medallist and former world number one badminton player Saina Nehwal has expressed strong support for the growing sport of pickleball in India, highlighting its increasing popularity across the nation. In a recent statement, Nehwal emphasized the sport's potential to thrive, particularly through initiatives like the CXO Pickleball League, where she serves as the brand ambassador.
Nehwal's Role in Promoting Pickleball
Nehwal, who announced her retirement from badminton earlier this year, revealed her involvement with the CXO Pickleball League, founded by RJ Anmol. This league uniquely combines business, fitness, and networking opportunities for top corporate leaders and is expanding to major cities including Mumbai, New Delhi, and Bengaluru. Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Nehwal shared her enthusiasm for staying connected to sports post-retirement.
"I am very happy to have joined a sport again," Nehwal stated. "The CXO Pickleball League is performing exceptionally well, with strong participation in Mumbai and promising prospects in Delhi. Pickleball is becoming very popular in our country, and many people are actively playing. For those seeking competitive opportunities, this league will be immensely beneficial."
Rapid Growth of Pickleball in India
Pickleball has experienced a significant surge in India in recent years, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, with numerous leagues emerging nationwide. Nehwal noted that many individuals are now approaching the sport competitively, and the proliferation of leagues can support their ambitions.
"Many people are taking it as a competition," she explained. "These leagues encourage year-round activity, promoting health and fitness. Aspiring champions can benefit greatly by maintaining good eating habits and staying fit through such platforms."
Nehwal's Connection to the CXO Pickleball League
Nehwal detailed how her partnership with the league began, citing a podcast with RJ Anmol that led to their friendship. "Anmol envisioned starting a league and believed that as a sportsperson, I would align well with pickleball. He approached me with this idea, and I was eager to support it," she recounted, expressing high expectations for the initiative's future success.
Clarification on Political Aspirations
Addressing widespread speculation about her political future, Nehwal clarified that she has no immediate plans to enter active politics. She has been associated with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2020, participating in events focused on women's empowerment and sports, but emphasized her current focus remains on sports promotion.
"I have not joined politics actively," Nehwal affirmed. "Having just retired from sports, my priority is to stay connected to athletics and promote sports in India. My mindset may evolve over time, and if destiny leads me to politics, I will certainly consider it, but for now, my commitment is to the sporting world."
This stance underscores Nehwal's dedication to fostering athletic development in India, as pickleball continues to carve out a niche in the country's sports landscape.
