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FanCode serves an ace with exclusive World Pickleball League streaming rights
MUMBAI: In a world where sports like pickleball—once considered a backyard pastime for paddle-wielding dreamers—are now commanding global attention, India’s FanCode has picked up the ball and sprinted to the net.
The country’s digital sports platform is set to exclusively stream the inaugural season of the World Pickleball League (WPL), giving pickleball enthusiasts a courtside view like never before.
With pickleball fever gripping India faster than a smash serve, FanCode’s bold move proves one thing: unique sports deserve their time in the spotlight, and they’ve got just the platform to deliver the action. Game on!
The debut league will unfold from 24 January to 2 February at the iconic CCI Mumbai, showcasing top-tier players from around the globe.
For those unfamiliar, pickleball is an addictive mashup of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and perfect for those who’ve ever wondered, “why choose one sport when you can have them all?”
Let’s face it—pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a vibe. With its global popularity soaring, India is catching on to the fever, and WPL is here to fuel that growth. The league promises thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and an unforgettable viewing experience.
FanCode co-founder Yannick Colaco shared his enthusiasm, “Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with an increasing number of enthusiasts embracing the sport. The World Pickleball League is set to captivate fans, and we’re thrilled to collaborate with them to bring the excitement of pickleball to sports fans nationwide.”
Hold on to your paddles, because WPL is not just about gameplay—it’s got a healthy dose of celebrity glamour:
● Chennai Super Champs: Owned by none other than actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu
● Bengaluru Jawans: Co-owned by director Atlee and his wife Priya Atlee
● Pune United: A power duo with Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh, backed by corporate moguls
● Team Mumbai: Owned by Swiggy, because why not mix sports with snacks?
With this star-studded lineup, WPL is setting the stage for pickleball to become not just a sport but an entertainment extravaganza.
As the exclusive streaming partner, FanCode will deliver live coverage and on-demand highlights of every match on its app and website. Expect a seamless, device-friendly experience that lets you catch the action whether you’re on the couch or sneaking a peek during work.
WPL co-founder & CEO, Gaurav Natekar remarked, “FanCode’s rapid rise as one of the favourite sporting destinations for fans across the country provides us with an excellent platform to live stream all the games from the World Pickleball League. We aim to make the sport a household name and are proud to collaborate with a team that shares our passion for the sport.”
So, are you ready to rally for pickleball? Don’t miss the action-packed debut season on FanCode!
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.
