Latest news with #DUPR
India Gazette
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
India No. 8 Avinash Kumar lauds Picklebay as a launchpad for aspiring talent in pickleball
New Delhi, [India] June 10 (ANI): As Pickleball continues its remarkable rise in India, Picklebay has emerged as a promising new platform for players across the country to compete, grow, and get noticed, according to a release from AIPA. Among the top contenders at the Picklebay India Tour is 24-year-old Avinash Kumar, currently ranked No. 8 in India and 24th in Asia in men's singles (as per the DUPR rankings). Avinash, who recently clinched the silver medal in the Men's Open Singles category at the Mumbai leg of the Picklebay India Tour, believes the Tournament Series is setting a new benchmark for the sport in India. 'Picklebay is a fantastic platform, especially for new and emerging players. It gives us the opportunity to play across different states and helps young athletes get the visibility they need. The format and professionalism here make it a tournament that will definitely grow bigger with time,' Avinash Kumar said. Hailing from Patna, Bihar, Avinash's sporting journey began in cricket before he stumbled upon pickleball through a newspaper article around eight years ago. 'I googled it, connected with Bihar Pickleball Association's Secretary, Ranjan Gupta sir, who introduced me to the game, and that's where it all began,' he recalls. What started in a small local academy has since evolved into a full-time sporting pursuit, with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) now backing him as a sponsored athlete. With a rigorous training schedule of nearly 5-6 hours a day, Avinash has already represented India internationally in multiple tournaments. Reflecting on the difference between international and Indian circuits, he noted, 'India has made great progress in infrastructure. Courts are becoming more accessible, especially with platforms like Picklebay. The level of competition is also rising steadily.' He sees pickleball as one of the most inclusive sports today. 'Pickleball is special because it combines the best of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Anyone from age 8 to 80 can enjoy it. It's cost-effective, easy to pick up, and now with more courts coming up in buildings and communities, it's growing organically.' Avinash also had a message for the next generation, 'Young players should seriously consider pickleball as a professional sport. The growth opportunities are real. If you work hard and perform, you'll get recognition--not just in India, but internationally too.' As Picklebay continues its India Tour, players like Avinash are proving just how impactful this Tournament Series can be in shaping the future of pickleball in the country. (ANI)
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Vita Bella Joins Forces with DUPR as the Official Health and Wellness Partner of Competitive Pickleball
This strategic partnership is a bold move that brings peak performance to the pickleball court, delivering premium health protocols and data-driven health plans to the fastest growing sport in America. DELRAY BEACH, Fla., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the most accurate and trusted global rating system for pickleball players of all levels, is proud to announce its official partnership with Vita Bella, the leading digital health platform for customized medical treatments that accelerate strength, stamina and recovery. As the official health and wellness partner of DUPR, Vita Bella will offer exclusive access to a wide range of performance-enhancing protocols tailored specifically for pickleball athletes of all levels—from weekend warriors to elite competitors. This includes advanced peptide therapy protocols to help with muscle building and recovery, hormone therapy to optimize how patients feel, anti-aging solutions to reverse and slow decline, and more—all backed by a team of top-tier doctors to enhance personalized care. "Pickleball is no longer just a hobby—it's a movement, a lifestyle, and a highly demanding sport," said Phil Vella, Founder and CEO of Vita Bella. "Our mission is to ensure every DUPR-rated athlete feels and performs at their best, both on and off the court. This partnership brings science-backed wellness directly to the pickleball community like never before." Through this partnership, DUPR+ members will have access to: Exclusive discounts on a Vita Bella membership and its products Virtual consultations with medical professionals who specialize in performance and recovery Performance-Focused Protocols designed with pickleball-specific needs in mind This announcement marks another milestone in DUPR's commitment to supporting the total athlete—from competitive play in leagues and tournaments, to physical wellness and long-term performance. Vita Bella joins a growing family of DUPR partners focused on advancing the sport of pickleball across all levels. "At DUPR, our mission has always been to support athletes at every level—on and off the court," said Ryan Maher, Vice President of Partnerships at DUPR. "Partnering with Vita Bella allows us to give our community access to the health tools they need to play longer, recover faster, and elevate their performance. This collaboration represents a major step forward in how we serve our community." To celebrate the launch, DUPR+ members can now visit to unlock special offers and begin their wellness journey today. About Vita BellaVita Bella is redefining what it means to live well—with a portfolio of premium treatments and advanced medications designed to elevate health, energy, and lifestyle. Backed by a data-driven clinical model, Vita Bella's team of licensed physicians crafts personalized wellness protocols tailored to each patient's unique needs. More than a brand, Vita Bella is a movement. Through its innovative digital platform, the company delivers a one-of-a-kind blend of clinical-grade care and modern convenience—empowering individuals across the country to look, feel, and perform at their best, every single day. Visit to learn more. About DUPRDUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit to sign up and learn more. Media Contact: DUPRKyrill HartogVP Marketing & Communicationskyrill@ Vita BellaColin JordanMarketingcolin@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DUPR
Forbes
04-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Andre Agassi Makes His Pro Pickleball Debut
NAPLES, FLORIDA - APRIL 30: Andre Agassi hits a backhand drive shot against Tristan Dussault and ... More Stevie Petropouleas during the 2025 US Open Pickleball Championships Pro Mixed Doubles round of 16 game at East Naples Community Park on April 30, 2025 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by) Tennis Hall of Famer Andre Agassi has been making serious inroads into the burgeoning world of pickleball, both personally and professionally, over the last several years. This past week, he took another big step in terms of pickleball involvement by entering a pro event for the first time. For those not familiar with Agassi's mostly behind the scenes involvement, we'll review what he's done so far then take an analytical look at the state of his debut on the court. He and wife Steffi Graf picked up the sport several years ago, and as retired tennis pros they had racquet skills that immediately translated. They also, frankly, just enjoyed the sport. Agassi said he was originally drawn to pickleball because of its social, inclusive nature. Inevitably people started to capitalize on that fun aspect of the sport, and Agassi was called upon to participate. Agassi first appeared the 2024 made-for-TV Pickleball Slam event held in Vegas against fellow retired tennis pros John McEnroe, Andy Roddick, and Michael Chang. In 2025 he got his fellow Hall of Famer wife involved in a set of mixed doubles actions with Roddick and another tennis-to-pickleball convert Genie Bouchard. Then Agassi got a bit more serious with his involvement. First, in January 2024 Agassi was part of an investment group that acquired a controlling interest in DUPR, the leading rating system used in the sport. A month later, he was named to be the Inaugural Chair of a Life Time Board that focused on growth of both Pickleball and Tennis. In August 2024, he partnered with the leading Pickleball paddle manufacturer Joola to produce Agassi-labeled paddles and accessories. In December Agassi traveled to Dubai to take part (on behalf of DUPR) in the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) kickoff event. Lastly, in March of 2025, Agassi and Graf joined all of Joola's top sponsored pros in a tour of Asian cities promoting the sport. One would believe that a 55-year old retired millionaire athlete would be satisfied with behind the scenes contributions, helping to grow the sport from more of a corporate level. However, the competitive nature of Agassi led to his biggest foray into the sport yet: this week he made his professional pickleball debut at one of the largest events on the annual pickleball calendar: the US Open. His partner? None other than the current No. 1 ranked Anna Leigh Waters. Here's a recap of their debut match, which was broadcast live on CBS Sports Network on April 30th. 'When Anna Leigh Waters calls, you say yes,' said Agassi at a press conference prior to their match. Waters famously played with another pro tennis convert in his first pro event in Jack Sock, helping Sock to win his Pro Mixed Doubles debut at the 2023 North Carolina Open (to date, Sock's only gold medal on tour). However, playing with a recently retired tennis player in his early 30s was a different ask than playing with a mid-50s 5.0-level player (Agassi's DUPR is 5.43, though he has barely any registered results). Winning a title against a strong field of APP and challenger-level pros at the US Open would be a tall task. In their opening match, Agassi & Waters fared off against two Florida-based teenagers Stevie Petropouleas (age 13) & Tristan Dussault (age 16). If the youngsters had any nerves, they really didn't show. Waters & Agassi began the match playing a conventional mixed setup, with the male on the left, thus putting Agassi's forehand in the middle of the court. This is a common configuration for Waters with her regular pro Mixed partner Ben Johns, who dominates in the middle but allows for Waters' adept swinging backhand volley in the middle to attack and poach as needed. Dussault & Petropouleas opened the match with a simple strategy: hit everything to Andre. Agassi received nearly every service return and the bulk of the dinks & volleys at the net. He handled the pressure well, choosing for a 3rd-shot drive strategy versus attempting to dink for success, and when volleys came back to him he was very adept at resets from the middle of the court, hitting 5th shot dinks frequently and successfully. Agassi struggled a bit with shots at his feet and made some dinking errors, but otherwise played solidly. Halfway through the first game the pair switched sides, in reaction to the clear recognition that Agassi was getting isolated. Agassi showed great skill at the net in hands battles, and was able to handle the pace coming from Dussault. Agassi hit more than a few groundstroke and volley winners right through the middle between his opponents, drawing from decades of his tennis stroke doing the same. Andre didn't try to do too much with the serve, which is a major area where the pro game is differentiating itself from the 5.0/top amateur game. The pair ground out an 11-8 first game win. In game two, the teenagers settled down a bit, cut down on their unforced errors and got ahead early. The Waters/Agassi partnership ground out rallies but the teenagers persevered and tied the match. Midway through game three, Agassi was clearly winded from playing in the oppressive Florida humidity, but after an amazing rally at 7-7 in the third the teenagers capitulated and Waters/Agassi were able to win and move forward. The pair lost in the next round to Trang Huynh-McClain & Len Yang as Agassi couldn't handle the pressure in the end from the more advanced Yang (a 5.8 DUPR with a slew of PPA tour experience). My verdict: Agassi's game looks great for a 55yr old, and I think he'd have great success if he were inclined to play on the Champion's tour. The fact of the matter is, if you're a top-level tennis player (i.e. if you hold a UTR right now in the 10-12 range) you're almost automatically a 4.5 pickleball player the moment you pick up a paddle. Agassi's success in pro tennis and his love of the challenge has made him a darn good pickleball player, and I hope to see him competing again soon. Meanwhile, we await his next industry move as he becomes more involved with the sport. If you missed either Agassi match, you can watch the replay of their opening match from CBS Sports Net's archives or go to Pickleball Channel's YouTube feed at the 3hr 59min mark for their round of 16 match.
Yahoo
04-02-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Reign Storm Named Official Energy Drink Partner of the DUPR Collegiate Tour
DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating [DUPR] is proud to announce that Reign Storm is the official energy drink of the DUPR Collegiate Tour. As the official partner, Reign Storm will provide clean, plant-based energy to players and spectators throughout the tour, expanding the brand's large presence in the pickleball space. The duo makes for the perfect doubles partners, with DUPR and Reign Storm both dedicated to fueling the growth of collegiate pickleball across the nation. Reign Storm, a clean energy drink designed to support active lifestyles, has long been a dedicated supporter of the pickleball community and DUPR is the premier global pickleball rating system in the country. This partnership marks Reign Storm's first major foray into the rapidly growing collegiate pickleball scene, where DUPR is leading the charge as the owner and operator of the largest collegiate pickleball tournament in the country. "Reign Storm is thrilled to partner with DUPR and do its part to champion the new class of pickleball athletes," said Reign Storm General Manager Tim Ryder. "Our focus has always been on boosting players at every level of play, and DUPR's dynamic approach to uniting players aligns perfectly with our mission to do the same." The DUPR Collegiate Tour aims to elevate collegiate pickleball through competitive events, advanced ratings technology, and partnerships with leading brands. "Reign Storm's focus on supporting active lifestyles and inclusivity in sports makes them the perfect partner for the DUPR Collegiate Tour," said Jacob Smith, Director of Collegiate Pickleball at DUPR. "Together, we're not just fueling athletes on the court but building a stronger foundation for collegiate pickleball's future." The DUPR Collegiate Tour will feature tournaments across the U.S., highlighting the energy and competitiveness of college athletes while promoting DUPR's innovative rating system that unifies the sport across age, gender, and location. Reign Storm's presence at each event will include on-site activations, giveaways, and opportunities for players and fans to experience the brand firsthand. About Reign Storm Reign Storm contains zero sugar, just 10 calories, 200 mg of plant-based caffeine, is packed with B vitamins, Biotin and an immunity support blend containing Zinc, Vitamin A and C. The drinks help people Live Life Better as they have no added preservatives, no artificially sourced flavors or colors, and no high fructose corn syrup. Available in nine amazing flavors: the new Tropical as well as Guava Strawberry, Mango, Strawberry Apricot, Citrus Zest, Valencia Orange, Kiwi Blend, Peach Nectarine, and Harvest Grape. Reign Storm is available in the US, Canada, Caribbean, Brazil, Chile, and across Europe; ingredients and flavors featured in the above description vary for countries outside of the US. For more information about Reign Storm, please visit its website or Instagram @drinkreignstorm About DUPR DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating) is the premier global pickleball rating system and technology platform, trusted by the world's leading clubs, tournaments, leagues, and players. DUPR's dynamic rating system unifies pickleball across age, gender, and location by analyzing match results to accurately evaluate all players across a 2.000 - 8.000 scale. DUPR is the official pickleball rating of leagues, tournaments and clubs around the world, including United Pickleball Association (UPA), PPA, Major League Pickleball (MLP), Life Time, The Picklr, National Team Pickleball League, National Pickleball League. It also owns and operates Minor League Pickleball and Collegiate Pickleball, two of the biggest amateur leagues in the sport. Players and operators can visit to sign up and learn more. For media inquiries, please contact: Kyrill HartogVP Marketing & Communicationskyrill@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE DUPR Sign in to access your portfolio
