Sports
PadelPark brings Bullpadel 2026 apparel collection to India
New e-commerce play opens doors to premium padel gear nationwide
MUMBAI: PadelPark India has served up a fresh play for India’s fast-growing padel community with the launch of the Bullpadel 2026 apparel collection on its official e-commerce platform.
The move marks Bullpadel’s dedicated online retail entry into India, making its performance-focused apparel accessible to players and enthusiasts across the country. Until now, access to specialised padel gear has been limited, but the new platform aims to bridge that gap with a few clicks.
The timing is no accident. Padel is quietly rallying momentum in India, with more than 350 courts now active and a growing urban following across cities such as Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad. What was once a niche sport is now finding its rhythm among a new generation of players.
Globally, Bullpadel has built a reputation for blending technical precision with sleek design, becoming a go-to name on international circuits. Top players including Federico Chingotto, Gemma Triay and Paquito Navarro are often seen sporting the brand in high-stakes matches, lending it both credibility and court-side visibility.
The 2026 collection itself leans into performance and practicality. Expect a full wardrobe for the court, from t-shirts and polos to jackets, skirts, shorts and track pants. The apparel uses lightweight, double-sided microfiber technology with quick-dry properties designed to handle both intense rallies and India’s demanding playing conditions.
For PadelPark India founder Nikhil Sachdev, the launch is part of a larger game plan. “India’s padel community has grown faster than anyone anticipated, and the appetite for premium, sport-specific gear is real. Bullpadel is the gold standard globally, and making it accessible to Indian players through a dedicated platform is a natural next step in building a complete padel ecosystem here,” he said.
Beyond its own platform, the collection will also be available through select retail partners and leading e-commerce marketplaces, ensuring both online convenience and offline access.
As padel finds its footing in India, this launch signals a shift from curiosity to commitment, where the sport is not just played, but properly kitted out too.
Sports
IPL 19 records 96.8 ad index as advertisers and categories decline: TAM Sports report
Fewer categories and advertisers as tech and FMCG brands reshape IPL ad mix
NEW DELHI: The on-field action remains strong, but advertising activity during the Indian Premier League has shown a slight shift this season. A report from TAM Sports, a division of TAM Media Research, indicates that the first 13 matches of IPL 19 have recorded a marginal decline in commercial volumes compared to the same phase last year.
Indexed ad volumes stood at 96.8, down from 100 in IPL 18. The number of advertising categories fell from over 50 to 40, while the advertiser base reduced from 65 to 45. At the same time, the number of channels broadcasting the tournament declined from 28 to 25.
Mouth Fresheners emerged as the leading category, contributing over 14 per cent of total ad volumes. Ecom-Other Services and Ecom-Wallets followed, maintaining a strong presence during the early part of the tournament.
The technology sector has gained prominence this season. Google ranked as the top advertiser, accounting for over 13 per cent of ad share. The company focused on promoting its Google Search Engine and Google Gemini AI platform. In contrast, categories such as Ecom-Gaming and Cellular Phones-Smart Phones did not feature among the leading segments this year.
TAM Sports analyst Arjun Sharma said the decline in volumes reflects a more focused approach by advertisers, with fewer but more prominent players dominating the space.
The report also identified new entrants, with ten additional categories including Chocolates, Laptops/Notebooks, and Hair Care products. Among companies, Vishnu Packaging and Reliance Consumer Products remained key advertisers, while Havells India and K P Pan Foods continued to feature prominently.
Among brands, Vimal Pan Masala and Kamla Pasand Silver Coated Elaichi recorded high visibility, while Cadburys Dairy Milk Chocolate was among the notable new entrants.
With the tournament still underway, advertising activity may increase in the coming weeks as more brands look to capitalise on IPL viewership.
