India, Nov. 20 -- P ickleball's rising popularity in India took a major step forward as the Indian Pickleball League announced its first five franchises, welcomed by Vineet Jain, MD, The Times Group, at a launch event in Chennai. Organised by The Times Group and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, the event marked the league's formal entry into the country's sporting calendar. The do drew a mix of film and sporting personalities, including actors Sreeleela and Kayadu Lohar, alongside India's leading pickleball talents Mihika Yadav and Aman Patel. The launch was also attended by Udhayanidhi Stalin, Deputy CM of Tamil Nadu, underscoring the state's support for the sport. The league will feature top Indian and international players in a television-friendly, city-versus-city format aimed at tapping into India's growing appetite for fast-paced recreational sports. The five franchises unveiled were Gurgaon Capital Warriors, Mumbai Smashers, Bengaluru Blasters, Chennai Super Warriors and Hyderabad Royals. A sixth team is expected to be announced soon. The debut season is scheduled to take place in December in New Delhi. HTC...