VOIWORLD/New Delhi
Indian real estate giant M3M India has signed Femina Miss India Rajasthan 2024, Vaishnavi Sharma, as the brand ambassador for its Indian Pickleball League franchise, Capital Warriors Gurgaon. The announcement comes just a day before the league begins in New Delhi, adding star power and visibility to the rapidly growing sport.
The Indian Pickleball League, sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association and launched by The Times Group, will run from December 1 to 7 at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall. The Capital Warriors also confirmed that seasoned athlete and trainer Monica Menon will serve as the team’s coach for the season.
The team’s management is led by General Manager Hercilio Cabieses, a Peruvian national associated with USA Pickleball. He is supported by Assistant General Manager Miranda Cabieses, an athlete, entrepreneur and co-founder of the Pickleball World Cup. Their experience in global pickleball circuits is expected to bring international expertise to the franchise’s strategy. To officially introduce Sharma as brand ambassador, the franchise organised a meet-and-greet event at M3M IFC in Gurugram. Sharma interacted with team owners Dr. Payal Kanodia and Aishwarya Bansal, discussing the rise of pickleball in India and the vision behind the Capital Warriors franchise.
Dr. Payal Kanodia, a renowned philanthropist and team owner said the team is gearing up for the season with “strong leadership, skilled players and the added energy of Sharma’s participation.”
Team co-owner and co-founder Smart World Developers Aishwarya Bansal highlighted the expanding popularity of pickleball across India and said the sport presents an opportunity to nurture young athletes and strengthen the country’s emerging sports culture.
Pickleball — a fast-growing paddle sport combining elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis — has been gaining traction in India in recent years. With corporate-backed franchises, international participation and increasing media attention, the Indian Pickleball League marks a new phase in the sport’s commercial and professional evolution.
As Capital Warriors Gurgaon enters the league with a reinforced roster, experienced coaching, and a high-profile brand ambassador, the franchise aims to make a strong impact in this year’s tournament.
