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Saina Nehwal Backs Pickleball Boom, Rules Out Active Politics Post-Retirement

Saina Nehwal has become the brand ambassador for India's CXO Pickleball League, founded by RJ Anmol. She expressed enthusiasm for the sport's growing popularity in India, especially after the pandemic. Nehwal, who retired from professional badminton earlier this year, stated she wants to remain connected to sports. She also addressed political speculation, confirming she is not planning to enter active politics in the near future despite her association with the BJP.

Key Points: Saina Nehwal on Pickleball Growth and Political Future

  • Saina Nehwal is brand ambassador for CXO Pickleball League
  • She retired from badminton in January 2024
  • Pickleball has grown rapidly post-pandemic
  • Nehwal rules out active politics for now
3 min read

"Pickleball is becoming very popular in our country": Saina Nehwal backs growing sport; rules out active politics for now

Saina Nehwal endorses India's CXO Pickleball League, predicts a bright future for the sport, and clarifies she has no immediate plans for active politics.

"Pickleball is becoming very popular in our country. - Saina Nehwal"

New Delhi, March 14

Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal believes pickleball has a bright future in India as the sport continues to gain popularity across the country.

The former world no. 1 badminton player is the brand ambassador for India's first-ever CXO Pickleball League, founded by RJ Anmol. The league blends business, fitness and networking for top corporate leaders and is expanding across cities, including Mumbai, New Delhi and Bengaluru.

Speaking on the sidelines of the CXO Pickleball League in New Delhi, Nehwal said she was happy to stay connected to sports after announcing her retirement from Badminton in January this year.

"I have retired. Last year, I had a talk with Anmol. He wanted to start a Pickleball League. We had a talk before my retirement. I am very happy that I have joined a sport again. CXO Pickleball League is doing very well. It has done very well in Mumbai. I am sure it will do very well in Delhi. So many players are coming to play. I enjoy watching sports and watching matches. Anyway, it is very good. Pickleball is becoming very popular in our country. Many people are playing. If they want to play in a competitive way, I think this league will help them a lot," she said.

Pickleball has witnessed rapid growth in India in recent years, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, with several leagues emerging across the country.

"Many people are taking it as a competition. So many leagues will help them. They should be active for the whole year. They should take care of their health. If they want to become a champion, it will help them in terms of fitness. They will eat well and become champions," Nehwal said.

The CXO Pickleball League, founded by RJ Anmol, is among the leading pickleball leagues in India, and Nehwal said she has high expectations from the initiative.

Reacting to how she became the brand ambassador of the league, Nehwal said, "I had done a podcast with Anmol. We became friends at that time. Later on, he thought that he wanted to start a league. He thought that Saina, as a sportsperson will get along well with Pickleball. So he approached me in that way."

Nehwal also addressed speculation about her future in politics, saying she is not planning to enter active politics in the near future.

"I have been with the BJP since 2020. I participate in their events for women's empowerment and sports. I go wherever they need me. But I have not joined politics actively. I have just retired from sports. I want to stay connected to sports and promote sports in India. Let's see how the mentality changes year by year or after a few years. If I am destined to join politics, I will definitely come."

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Honestly, I had to Google what pickleball was! 😅 But if Saina Nehwal is backing it, it must have potential. Good initiative to blend corporate networking with sports. Hope it reaches tier 2 cities soon.
R
Rohit P
Smart move by her to stay away from active politics for now. The country needs her experience in sports administration more. We have enough politicians, but genuine sports ambassadors are rare. Focus on building this new sport, Saina!
S
Sarah B
As an expat in Bangalore, I've seen pickleball courts pop up everywhere post-pandemic. It's a great social sport. Glad a star like Saina is lending her credibility. This could really take off.
V
Vikram M
With all respect to Saina, I hope this doesn't become just another "elite" corporate league. The real growth of any sport in India happens when it becomes accessible in schools and local parks. Hope the focus is on mass participation too.
K
Kavya N
Love her balanced approach! Promoting a new sport and also clarifying her political stance. "If I am destined..." – typical Indian philosophy! 😊 Wishing her all the best in this new chapter.

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