MAM
Delhi set for a smashing rally as Pickleball Now Grand Prix hits Gurugram
MUMBAI: Delhi’s sporting scene is about to get a spicy spin because the pickleball ‘pickle’ is officially popping off. Times Network is bringing the Pickleball Now Grand Prix – North Edition to The Blue Court, Sector 65, Gurugram, on 22 November, marking the next big serve in its multi-city initiative to popularise what has become one of India’s fastest-growing recreational sports.
And the capital is turning up in numbers. Over 200 players will battle it out across the daylong event, eyeing Rs 10 Lakh in prizes, trophies, media visibility and ranking prestige. All matches are affiliated with the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), ensuring that every point scored counts for official rankings.
The Grand Prix features five categories designed to engage both intermediate and advanced players:
● Men’s Doubles – Advanced
● Men’s Doubles – Intermediate
● Mixed Doubles – Advanced
● Mixed Doubles – Intermediate
● Women’s Doubles, featuring randomly paired teammates for delightful unpredictability
The mix of competition levels paired with the sport’s quick-play energy ensures a day of tight rallies, clutch points and plenty of courtside drama.
Pickleball’s soaring popularity has drawn a premium roster of partner brands across lifestyle, tech, mobility and consumer categories. Among them:
● Presented By: Hell Energy Drink
● NBFC Partner: Aditya Birla Capital
● Official Timekeeping Partner: Just in Time
● Banking Partner: HDFC Bank
● Luxury Real Estate Partner: Arihant
● Celebration Partner: Radico Khaitan
● Equipment Partner: Joola
● Healthcare Partner: Dava India
● Education Partner: Amrita University
● Wealth Partner: Yes Securities
The mix underscores how pickleball has evolved from a recreational pastime to a premium, brand-magnet sport.
Beyond intense rallies and leaderboard climbs, the Pickleball Now Grand Prix weaves in a lifestyle showcase, high-energy brand experiences and a vibrant community vibe. It’s a sporting spectacle that mirrors the country’s growing appetite for accessible, fast-paced, aspirational sports.
With Delhi as the next stop, the Grand Prix promises to amplify the momentum adding visibility, structure and star power to a sport that’s quietly become India’s coolest weekend addiction.
For all updates, head to Pickleball Now because the North Edition is about to serve Delhi its most electrifying pickleball moment yet.
Brands
Jubilant FoodWorks faces Rs 47.5 crore GST demand, plans appeal
Tax authorities flag alleged misclassification of restaurant services
MUMBAI: Jubilant FoodWorks Limited has landed in a tax tussle after receiving a GST demand of Rs 47.5 crore from the office of the additional commissioner of CGST and central excise in Thane, Maharashtra.
The order, issued under the provisions of the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017, relates to an alleged incorrect classification of certain services under the category of restaurant services. According to the tax authorities, this classification resulted in a short payment of goods and services tax for the period between the financial years 2019-20 and 2021-22.
The demand includes Rs 47.5 crore in GST along with an equal amount as penalty, in addition to applicable interest. The order was received by the company on March 13, 2026.
In a regulatory filing to the BSE Limited and the National Stock Exchange of India Limited, the company said it disagrees with the order and believes its arguments were not adequately considered.
The company is preparing to challenge the decision and plans to file an appeal. It added that once the redressal process is complete, the demand is likely to be dropped.
Despite the sizeable figure attached to the notice, the company said it does not expect any material impact on its financials, operations or other activities.
The disclosure was signed by Suman Hegde, EVP and chief financial officer, who confirmed that the company received the order at 19:06 IST on March 13 and has already initiated steps to contest it.
The development places the quick service restaurant major in the middle of a tax debate that could hinge on how certain restaurant-linked services are classified under GST rules. For now, the company appears ready to take the matter from the tax office to the appeals desk.
