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

The league features seven teams including KIWI Stars, Hy Panthers, Senses United, Anvita Aces, Hy Rollers, White Horse Padel Club and Apex Strikers with international athletes, WTA and ATP players, badminton stars, sporting personalities and celebrities.Among the notable 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 also associated with participating teams.

Speaking at the event, former Indian cricket captain Mohammed Azharuddin praised HPL for promoting padel in Hyderabad. Describing padel as a blend of tennis and squash, he recalled playing the sport in Dubai and expressed his support for KIWI Stars.

Azharuddin urged youngsters to embrace sport, stay active and avoid drugs, unhealthy habits and negative influences. “Sport 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 said.

He also appealed to parents to encourage children to take up sports, citing their role in building discipline, confidence and managing stress. He congratulated the organisers and hoped more teams would join the league in the coming years.



Speaking on the event Yashwant founder of the Hyderabad Padel League, said, “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.”

Mr. Rohit Nanda, team owner of the KIWI Stars also said “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.”

Backed by NSL Group as Title Sponsor and Radha TMT as Supporting Partner, HPL aims to make Hyderabad a leading padel destination while promoting the sport among a growing community.