Pune, India, 7 May 2026 : Abhay Bhutada Foundation has partnered with the Ultimate Pickleball League -
Pune Edition 2026, continuing its support for various sporting initiatives that
encourage a stronger culture of fitness among people. The tournament is
scheduled to take place in Pune on 9th and 10th May 2026, with participation
expected from more than 180 players, including several leading names in the
sport.
The association reflects the Foundation’s continued
engagement in initiatives that encourage community participation and promote
active lifestyles. With a growing focus on sports and wellbeing, the
Foundation’s support for the league aligns with its broader approach of
enabling platforms that bring people together and create accessible
opportunities for engagement.
Speaking on the association, CA Abhay Bhutada, Founder and
Chairman of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, said, “An event like the Ultimate
Pickleball League creates an opportunity to see some of the best players
compete in a structured environment. At the same time, it helps bring more
visibility to the sport and can encourage more people to step in and stay
active. At the Foundation, our focus is on enabling access to platforms where
people can both witness and showcase talent, and we are glad to support an
initiative that contributes to both competition and participation.”
The Ultimate Pickleball League - Pune Edition 2026 will
feature 12 teams with both male and female players, competing across men’s and
women’s singles and doubles, along with mixed doubles. The format is designed
to test depth and teamwork, with participation from players including Raaquib
Merchant, Vrushali Thakare, Rohit Patil, Avinash Kumar, Anuja Maheshwari,
Snehal Patil, Arjun Singh, Anay Patil, Aditya Singh, and Maitreya Bhagat.
Scheduled for 9th and 10th May, the two-day league is
designed to deliver high-quality match play with a focus on competitive
intensity and fair play. The tournament will also award prize money across
categories, with the winner receiving INR 1,50,000, followed by INR 1,00,000
for the first runner-up and INR 51,000 for the second runner-up.
The Foundation’s association with the league also builds on
its continued involvement in sports-led initiatives. It has supported various
sporting tournaments, marathons, and community-driven events aimed at
encouraging participation and providing platforms for emerging talent. These
initiatives reflect a consistent effort to encourage participation, promote
discipline, and strengthen community engagement through sport.
About Abhay Bhutada Foundation
Founded in 2023, the Abhay Bhutada
Foundation is dedicated to the upliftment,
education, and growth of underprivileged sections of society. With a focus on
long-term impact rather than short-term aid, the Foundation ensures that every
project is designed for sustainability and measurable results. Fully funded by
CA Abhay Bhutada without external fundraising, the Foundation supports
initiatives in education, sports, and cultural preservation. Over a short span,
its efforts have impacted lakhs of lives across Maharashtra, creating
meaningful and lasting change.