India’s foremost tennis tournament, the Tennis Premier League (TPL) has unveiled its latest franchise, Bengal Wizards, which is owned by the Wardwizard Group, helmed by Chairman, Mr Yatin Gupte, and Kolkata-born tennis grand slam winner Leander Paes, who is the driving force of the Bengal Franchise, both of whom graced the occasion.
The news was revealed at an extravagant event at the Club Millennium Juhu Tennis Courts in Mumbai.
Bengal Wizards will compete in the fifth season of the Tennis Premier League against the likes of the Sonali Bendre-owned Pune Jaguars, Rakul Preet Singh-owned Hyderabad Strikers, Sania Mirza-represented Bengaluru Spartans, and Taapsee Pannu-owned Punjab Tigers. The league’s fifth season is scheduled to start in December 2023.
The Joy e-Bike is one of the flagship brands of the Wardwizard company, which also includes Quikshef and Snack Buddy under its wing. The group’s influence extends to a number of industries, including aviation, FMCG, and FMLA.
Mr Yatin Gupte, Chairman, Wardwizard Group, said, “The Tennis Premier League is transforming the landscape of tennis in India with its revolutionary format and high-octane matches. Co-founders Kunal and Mrunal have done a brilliant job, providing the private sector a golden opportunity to invest in the sport in India. We, as an organisation, are always searching for innovative ideas for a brighter future, which ties in well with the ethos of the league.
“Bengal has a magical connection with sports. Hence, the name Bengal Wizards fit perfectly. We hope to mesmerise fans with our magical performance on court.”
Leander Paes, said, “It is an honour for me to be part of the Bengal Wizards. Being born in Kolkata, I have a deep connection with Bengal. I learnt how to play the sport in the city of joy, which is also considered the Mecca of Indian tennis. With this team, my bond with tennis and Bengal will only grow stronger. We hope the magical performance of the Bengal Wizards inspire young tennis players from the region.”
Co-Founder, Mr. Kunal Thakkur, said, “We are delighted to have Leander be a driving force behind the Bengal Wizards. His expertise will also allow the team to showcase their potential. I am sure the team will add to the rich history of tennis in Bengal and pave the way for future stars to emerge.”
Mr Mrunal Jain, Co-Founder of TPL, said, “We are grateful to have Bengal Wizards owned by the Wardwizard group join our league. They will certainly add a new dimension to the competition and their presence will make season 5 of the Tennis Premier League bigger than ever before.”