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WPBL hands Charlotte Whitby-Coles the COO paddle to power season two
MUMBAI: Pickleball just served up its biggest move yet, and no, it’s not another spin shot. The World Pickleball League (WPBL), fresh off a roaring inaugural season in Mumbai, has appointed Charlotte Whitby-Coles as its new chief operating officer. And let’s just say, the league isn’t volleying this one lightly.
On 24 March 2025, WPBL announced Charlotte’s elevation in what it called a strategic move to capitalise on her behind-the-scenes brilliance during season one. She was the silent ace—scouting talent, managing players, and making sure the chaos stayed charming. With 17 years running a tennis and pickleball academy in Panchgani, a background in U18 and collegiate tennis in the UK, and a career that juggles sports, film production, and academia, Charlotte brings a multi-hyphenate punch to the role.
“Charlotte has brought tremendous value to WPBL, ensuring our first season delivered on its promise of top-tier pickleball action on the court and unmatched entertainment off it. Her career spans multiple fields, including sports and entertainment, with extensive experience in tennis, pickleball, film production, and academia. This unique, holistic perspective makes her the ideal choice to lead WPBL to even greater heights. Women make up 40 per cent of the pickleball community of India and throughout the world and are an integral part of the sport. We are committed to integrating more women into every aspect of pickleball, and having Charlotte taking on leadership role in the WPBL is reflective of how we can achieve this goal and promote the inclusion of women in the sport,” said WPBL co-founder & CEO Gaurav Natekar.
As COO, Charlotte will now steer strategy, operations, production, and execution as WPBL sets its sights on an even bigger and bolder second season. The league wrapped up its inaugural run from 24 January to 2 February, with international talent gracing the courts and Bengaluru Jawans taking the championship crown.
Reflecting on her appointment, Charlotte said, “I have known Gaurav and Arati for a long time now and we share a great respect for each other as friends and professionals. I have witnessed at close quarters their impressive ability to execute their vision and ideas successfully, and the grand scale of season one was testament to that. The journey so far has been amazing, so the decision to accept this new role was an easy one. I am truly grateful and honoured for the opportunity and trust bestowed upon me and I look forward to working with Gaurav and Arati and the whole team at WPBL to make season two even bigger and better.”
With 40 per cent of the global pickleball community made up of women, WPBL’s decision to place Charlotte at the helm isn’t just strategic—it’s symbolic. It’s a clear nod to inclusivity, vision, and a future that rallies more women into leadership, both on and off the court.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
