Samantha Ruth Prabhu Unveils Chennai Super Champs Jersey, Ignites Pickleball Passion Ahead of WPBL Season 2

The Chennai Super Champs, one of India’s most dynamic franchises in the World Pickleball League (WPBL), unveiled their new team jersey for Season 2 in a vibrant celebration of sport, culture, and community. Co-owner and actor-entrepreneur Samantha Ruth Prabhu led the unveiling, marking a pivotal moment in the franchise’s journey as it deepens its grassroots partnership with Sathyabama University and expands its footprint in India’s emerging pickleball ecosystem.

The jersey, a bold reinterpretation of Chennai’s identity, features a striking orange-to-yellow gradient symbolizing the sunrise over the Bay of Bengal. This visual metaphor reflects optimism, energy, and new beginnings—values that the team seeks to embody both on and off the court. Intricate kolam-inspired micro-patterns pay homage to Tamil Nadu’s artistic heritage, while red accents evoke fire, movement, and speed. Together, the design elements capture the city’s heat, vibrancy, and fearless sporting spirit.

Samantha Ruth Prabhu, speaking at the launch, emphasized the emotional and cultural significance of the jersey. “Chennai loves its sport loud, proud, and with heart. This new jersey is our way of carrying that emotion onto the world stage. It’s not just fabric—it’s belief stitched into every thread,” she said. Her presence at the event underscored the franchise’s commitment to inclusivity, youth engagement, and empowering local talent.

The unveiling coincided with the inaugural Chennai Open, a flagship pickleball tournament organized by the franchise in collaboration with Sathyabama University. With over 500 registrations across 46 categories and a record ₹25 lakh prize pool, the tournament has quickly become a landmark event in India’s pickleball calendar. The university’s six state-of-the-art indoor courts have emerged as a hub for young athletes, offering world-class facilities and a nurturing environment for competitive growth.

Dr. Mariazeena Johnson, Chancellor of Sathyabama University, praised the partnership’s impact on student engagement and athletic development. “Pickleball is thriving here. Our students are not just playing—they’re dreaming bigger, training harder, and exploring new sporting pathways. Having Samantha rally with them today was deeply inspiring,” she said.

Co-owner Himank Duvvuru echoed the sentiment, noting that Season 2 represents a strategic leap for the franchise. “We’re building something lasting and rooted in community. The Chennai Open and our collaboration with Sathyabama University show that when you give this city access and opportunity, it responds with energy and enthusiasm. The new jersey is symbolic of that intent,” he said.

The Chennai Super Champs have positioned themselves as leaders in India’s pickleball revolution. Through grassroots programs, youth outreach, and flagship events, the franchise is cultivating a new generation of athletes and fans. Their approach blends local pride with global ambition, making pickleball not just a sport, but a movement.

The team’s WPBL Season 2 squad reflects this international vision. Featuring players from India, USA, Brazil, Vietnam, Mexico, Japan, and Croatia, the lineup is a testament to the sport’s growing global appeal. Led by Head Coach Johnny Goldberg (USA), the squad includes:

• Sonu Vishwakarma (India)
• Tanner Tomassi (USA)
• Simone Jardim (Brazil)
• Ly Hoang Nam (Vietnam)
• Carlota Trevino (Mexico)
• Rika Fujiwara (Japan)
• Do Minh Quan (Vietnam)
• Tea Pejic (Croatia)

This diverse team will debut the new jersey at WPBL Season 2, bringing Chennai’s spirit to the national stage and beyond.

Conclusion

The unveiling of the Chennai Super Champs jersey is more than a design launch—it’s a declaration of intent. It celebrates heritage, community, and competitive excellence, while inviting Chennai’s youth to see themselves in the sport’s future. As WPBL Season 2 approaches, the franchise stands poised to redefine pickleball in India, one serve at a time.