Indian badminton is gearing up for a bold new chapter, with the launch of the Indian Pro Badminton League (IPBL) aiming to reshape the sport’s future in the country.
With former India spinner Harbhajan Singh stepping in as League Commissioner and Captain Vineet Chaturvedi leading as Founder & CEO, the league is positioning itself as a long-term movement.
The IPBL recently conducted its inaugural player auction, where 63 players were picked from a pool of 142 across eight franchises.
The league’s vision is clear: identify, nurture, and elevate emerging talent while giving Indian badminton a stronger global identity.
At its core, IPBL is designed to build a structured and inclusive ecosystem. The focus is on offering young players access to top-tier
mentorship, competitive exposure, and a professional platform that bridges the gap between grassroots and elite badminton.
The league also promises a blend of sport and entertainment, with several teams owned by well-known television personalities such as Urvashi Dholakia, Sumona Chakravarti, and Upasna Singh among others.
The inaugural season will feature eight city-based teams: Ace Attackers Delhi, Super Smashers Gujarat, Flying Warriors Jaipur, Net Ninjas Lucknow, Smash Masters Punjab, Shuttle Snipers Hyderabad, Speedy Shuttlers Mumbai, and Racket Raiders Kolkata.
Backing the league is a strong governance structure that includes accomplished athletes such as Akhil Kumar, Sushila Chanu, Vandana Katariya, and Manoj Sarkar.
Speaking about the vision, Captain Vineet Chaturvedi said, “The Indian Pro Badminton League has been envisioned as a long-term investment in the future of Indian sport. Our goal is to create a structured and inclusive ecosystem that identifies, nurtures, and elevates emerging talent.”
Echoing the sentiment, Harbhajan Singh added, “Sport has the power to inspire and unite, and IPBL is a platform that embodies both. I am proud to be part of a league that is committed to giving young athletes the exposure and opportunities they deserve.”
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