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Samantha Ruth Prabhu Praises Pickleball Body After Team's Runner-Up Finish

Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has publicly praised the All India Pickleball Association for its role in nurturing and developing the sport across the country. Her appreciation comes shortly after her co-owned team, Chennai Super Champs, finished as runners-up in the World Pickleball League 2 finals. The championship was won by Dilli Dillwale, who secured a narrow 3-2 victory in a closely contested final. Individual accolades were awarded to Max Manthou as Player of the Tournament and to Katerina Stewart and Ly Hoang Nam for scoring the most points.

Key Points: Samantha Ruth Prabhu Lauds All India Pickleball Association

  • Samantha lauds AIPA's grassroots work
  • AIPA credited for sport's rapid growth
  • Chennai Super Champs finish WPL runners-up
  • Dilli Dillwale win thrilling final 3-2
  • Max Manthou named Player of the Tournament
2 min read

Samantha Ruth Prabhu lauds All India Pickleball Association for its role in advancing game in India

Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu applauds AIPA for developing pickleball in India, as her team Chennai Super Champs finishes as WPL runners-up.

"the rapid growth of pickleball... would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the people behind AIPA - Samantha Ruth Prabhu"

Mumbai, February 9

Actor and Chennai Super Champs co-owner Samantha Ruth Prabhu has lauded the All India Pickleball Association for its efforts in promoting and developing pickleball across the country.

Taking to her Instagram stories, the actress acknowledged AIPA's tireless work over the years in nurturing the sport, supporting Indian professional players, and strengthening the overall pickleball ecosystem in India, according to an AIPA release.

Samantha noted that the rapid growth of pickleball in the country would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the people behind AIPA, who continue to focus on grassroots development while building professional pathways for athletes.

The appreciation comes even as her team finished runners-up in the finals of World Pickleball League 2, a marquee tournament supported by AIPA, further highlighting the association's role in elevating competitive pickleball in India.

The recognition reinforces AIPA's vision of building a robust, inclusive, and sustainable future for pickleball, driven by athlete development and long-term growth of the sport nationwide, the release said.

Earlier on Sunday, Dilli Dillwale emerged as the World Pickleball League (WPBL) 2026 champions with a thrilling 3-2 win over Chennai Super Champs in the final held at the Jio World Garden. The Sunil Gavaskar co-owned outfit came back from losing the opening women's singles match to secure triumph in three out of the remaining four matches.

Dilli's Max Manthou was adjudged the Player of the Tournament, whereas Katerina Stewart and Ly Hoang Nam got the Band of Honour for winning the most points amongst women and men respectively, in this campaign, according to a release.

Rika Fujiwara began the outing in her trademark dominating demeanour, overcoming her Dilli Dillwale opponent Alejandra Lopez by 27-3. Right from the commencement of the tie, the seasoned Grand Slam star held an extreme stronghold over the proceedings, refusing to cede an inch, which gave the Super Champs a firm foot ahead in the fixture straightaway.

Following this was the mixed doubles match, where Max Manthou and Trang Huynh paired up to edge past Ly Hoang Nam and Carlota Trevino by 11-10.

The Dilli duo edged past Nam and Trevino by a slender single-point margin in a match that went right down to the dying embers of the summit clash.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Great to see celebrities like Samantha using their platform to support lesser-known sports. This kind of endorsement can really boost visibility and funding. The final match sounded thrilling!
A
Aditya G
While the appreciation is nice, I hope the focus remains on creating infrastructure and coaching at the district level, not just on celebrity-backed leagues. Real development happens in small towns.
S
Sarah B
Interesting read! As someone new to pickleball, it's exciting to see it grow in India. The league format with team names like 'Dilli Dillwale' is so fun and engaging for fans.
K
Karthik V
Sunil Gavaskar as a co-owner! That's a solid vote of confidence from a cricket legend. Hope this sport gets the same passion and following in India someday. Well done to all the players.
N
Nisha Z
Rika Fujiwara's 27-3 win is absolutely dominant! 🏓 Shows the high level of competition. More sports diversity is always good for the country. Let's support our athletes.

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