GB star signs up to India’s padel revolution
A huge moment for our sport – that’s how GB padel star Nikhil Mohindra described padel’s arrival in India as he was revealed as the first ambassador for new-launch Padel India, an organisation with plans to target 300 cities and 15 million people. The Bandeja reports.
Padel India’s aim is to develop the sport from grassroots to elite level via an ambitious programme of court building/club operation in a country believed to have fewer than 100 courts and a population of more than 1.4 billion people.
Nikhil’s new role will see him participating in exhibitions and events, including clinics for juniors and amateur players, in a drive to build awareness for the sport and leverage the country’s growing status as a racket sports nation.
I am convinced that padel will become the next big game in India.
Nikhil Mohindra, Padel India ambassador
Emerging markets
The 23-year-old, who has represented GB at European and World level and is also a co-founder of R3 Sport, said: “I am delighted to be appointed the first ambassador for Padel India at a time when the sport is on track to grow rapidly in emerging markets.
“As a country that loves its racket sports I am convinced that padel will become the next big game in India. Becoming an ambassador for the game’s growth was an opportunity I couldn’t turn down and I’m excited about getting rackets into the hands of as many people in India as possible in the years ahead! Padel’s arrival in India is a huge moment for our sport,” added Nikhil.
Nikhil’s pride in his Indian heritage and passion for developing padel made him an ideal choice for the role with Padel India. In due course more ambassadors – from sport, entertainment and business – are expected to be announced by the company, founded by Arisaig Partners Director Alan Healey.
Nikhil will be the ideal consultant for Padel India as we seek to successfully engage communities, young and old.
Alan Healey, Padel India founder.
Alan said: “Padel India is thrilled to welcome Nikhil as our first ambassador as our journey to grow this exhilarating sport in a nation that adores its racket sports begins. With his engaging personality, love for the sport and passion for growing the game in India, Nikhil is the ideal fit for us as we begin our journey to bring padel to a targeted 15 million players in 300 cities across the nation. In addition, with his expert knowledge of the sport in another emerging padel nation, Great Britain, Nikhil will be the ideal consultant for Padel India as we seek to successfully engage communities, young and old.”
The organisation, working with the Indian Padel Federation and International Padel Federation (FIP), is focussed on building clubs, harnessing technology to connect players with coaches, courts, clubs and brands and creating events for recreational to professional players. 🎾
