Latest news with #Padel

IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
P4G Mixed Tournament extra special for Richard and Kim Woolrich
FINE FORM Richard Woolrich is all focus as his wife Kim returns a shot to their opponents GP and Lena-Lisa Bester in the finals of this past weekend's Mixed tournament in Bree Street. Picture: Keith Lyle/Cape Town Sport Photography. The event hosted athletes rated between 2 and 5 on the PlayTomic App - allowing lower-ranked players to level up and compete against more skilled opponents. This past weekend's show was not only the first mixed event at Padel4Good's new home since relocating from Paarden Eiland, but it was also the first time the brand would cast a wider net in terms of skill level. Competing at the high-end Racket+Ball Club in Bree Street, the couple secured their very first P4G title together when they overcame the dangerous duo of GP & Lena-Lisa Bester in the final of the competition that catered for 32 players registered on the PlayTomic App. The latest Padel4Good tournament in Cape Town was extra special for Richard and Kim Woolrich, who were crowned the first P4G mixed champions of 2025! Building a Legacy on the Padel Courts: Kim and Richard's Inspiring Journey with Padel4Good 'Mixed tournaments are great as you get exposed to a higher level, and the rallies are amazing. This event was also an opportunity for my husband and I to compete together in a sport we love,' said Kim Woolrich, who thrives off competitive moments. 'It was a great event with a great level of Padel. It feels extraordinary to win with my husband,' said Kim with a chuckle. Kim and Richard are slowly building a fearsome reputation on Padel courts across the Mother City, and by the looks of things, they're not slowing down. 'We have met so many amazing people through Padel. It's such a fun game, and I can feel that I am improving. My husband and I have played a few Padel4Good tournaments, and aside from the vibe, we love supporting such a great cause. "We also won the Africa Padel Mixed League,' added Kim, who also has three first-division ladies league titles to her name. Kim and Richard are playing the All Stars Mixed League at the Virgin Active Padel Centre in Paarden Eiland. Richard shares Kim's sentiments and is particularly proud of competing at such a high level with his wife. 'What a lekker way to spend a Friday date night with my wife! I have played a couple of the Padel4Good tournaments but I never made it into the finals. It was very cool to win in a strong mixed tournament with my wife. "And if I am not mistaken, I think we were the only husband and wife combo,' said Richard, who is a former Epicentre first-division men's winner. Aside from providing a platform to compete in one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, Padel4Good also aims to help women and children across the Western Cape. With the help of sponsors, ticket sales, and support from players, the non-profit organization works hand in hand with various brands to assist women and children exposed to and affected by gender-based violence, abuse, poverty, and hunger. 'Supporting a charity and combining it with what we love and get excited about every day is a no-brainer! We will be back at the next tournament. I want to thank everyone who dedicated their time to making this happen and finding a very clever way of giving back,' added Richard. Padel4Good returns on June 27th. For details on how to enter or support, check out the Padel4Good Instagram account. Results: 1st Place: Richard & Kim Woolrich 2nd Place: GP & Lena-Lisa Bester 3rd Place: Greg Hahn & Natasha Jansen IOL Sport


Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Even Shloka Mehta and Akash Ambani play pickleball with friends: Is this sport actually good for you? 4 things to know
Pickleball is everywhere. This amalgam of tennis, table tennis and badminton has been embraced by everyone from Leonardo DiCaprio and Aamir Khan to, most recently, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli. It appears Akash Ambani, the eldest son of Nita and Mukesh Ambani, and his wife Shloka Mehta are also fans of pickleball. Also read | Shloka Mehta's fiery Padel match: Ambani bahu puts her game face on as she plays with Akash, friends A video of Akash and Shloka playing pickleball with their friends has surfaced online. Pickleball is a simple to learn fast-paced racquet sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It's played on a court with a low net, and players use paddles made of lightweight materials to hit a plastic ball. A post shared by Ambani Family (@ambani_update) Pickleball is also an excellent sport for people of all ages, offering a fun and engaging way to improve physical and mental health. According to a November 1, 2023 report on it's a great sport for beginners who want to get more exercise. But to get the most out of pickleball and minimise the risk of injury, warm up before playing, use proper form and technique, wear suitable shoes designed for side-to-side movement, stay hydrated and start slowly and gradually increase playtime. Per these are the physical and mental health benefits for those who play pickleball regularly: 'When you play pickleball, your heart rate and breathing rate are up and you're burning calories. That translates to better heart health, lung health and weight management," physical therapist Jim Edwards told Sports like pickleball stress your muscles and bones, and your body responds by making them stronger. Routine pickleball play can help you improve muscle strength, prevent osteoporosis, a disease that weakens your bones and can lead to fractures. Good balance reduces your risk of falls, a serious health threat to older adults. Exercises like pickleball are one of the best ways to improve your balance. 'These movements sharpen the connections between your body, brain and eyes. Over time, you develop better balance and coordination," Jim Edwards said. Jim Edwards said, 'The social aspect of the game is also important. People interact with each other, enhancing their quality of life.' Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.


Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
‘See for yourself': French tourist responds to viral video calling India the ‘dirtiest country'
A vox pop video sparked widespread discussion online after several people named India in response to the question, 'What's the dirtiest country in the world?' Captured through street interviews and widely shared on social media, the clip prompted a French content creator to respond by highlighting clean and well-maintained locations across India to showcase a stark contrast. The video has since gone viral, amassing over 28 million views. Also read: Woman who avoided sunlight to prevent tanning breaks bone while turning in bed In a compelling counter-narrative, the French content creator shared the video showcasing India's modern facets. The footage included high-rise buildings, bridges, well-maintained roads, and lush green lawns, painting a picture starkly different from the initial portrayal. The creator concluded with a poignant message: 'Next time before commenting bad things, come to India and see for yourself.' A post shared by Icy French (@icyfrenchreal) Many took to the comments section to respond. One user wrote, 'India is a huge country ,of course some places are messy, but many are clean too. You can't judge the whole nation by just one part. It's big enough to have both. No Offense" This incident is not isolated. Previously, YouTuber Benjamin Rich, known as Bald and Bankrupt, called India 'the most frustrating place to travel," sparking debates about the balance between honest travel experiences and reinforcing negative stereotypes. In his video, titled 'I visited India so you don't have to', Rich showed glimpses of his journey in Delhi and Kolkata. Similarly, a Canada-based vlogger shared his impressions of India following a five-week journey across the country. In an Instagram post, William Rossy called India 'the most shocking' of the 37 countries he has visited so far. Also read:Shloka Mehta's fiery Padel match: Ambani bahu puts her game face on as she plays with hubby Akash, friends


Hindustan Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Shloka Mehta's fiery Padel match: Ambani bahu puts her game face on as she plays with hubby Akash, friends
A viral video of Shloka Mehta has delighted fans as it features her sporty side. In the video, the Ambani bahu is seen enjoying a Padel match with her husband, Akash Ambani and their friends. Clad in comfortable athleisure and surrounded by a relaxed vibe, the duo's game has sparked chatter among fans. While Akash is seen wearing a green T-shirt and blue shorts, Shloka is wrapped in black. It is a moment that shows her fiery sporty side that has left the internet amazed. A post shared by Ambani Family (@ambani_update) Eldest son of India's richest man, Mukesh Ambani, and philanthropist Nita Ambani, Akash Ambani, tied the knot with Shloka Mehta, daughter of Russell Mehta, who heads Rosy Blue Diamonds, formerly known as B. Arunkumar & Co and jewellery designer Mona Mehta, in 2019. The couple has been acquainted since they were young, and before their wedding in 2019, they got engaged in a private ceremony in 2018. Their fairytale wedding was held at the World Centre in BKC, Mumbai. Just like the weddings of his siblings, Isha Ambani and Anant Ambani, Akash Ambani's big day was a star-studded affair attended by some of the biggest names in India. Bollywood stars, cricket personalities, and foreign guests also attended the ceremony. Akash Ambani is the Chairman of Reliance Jio Infocomm Limited (RJIL), a position he has held since 2022. Shloka Ambani is associated with philanthropic work. The couple is proud parents to two children, Prithvi and Veda. A month ago, a video of Shloka Ambani won hearts on social media. It showed her humble gesture while visiting the Babulnath Temple with Akash Ambani.


BBC News
14-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Carlisle school's £1.5m plan for padel and football pitches
A private school plans to spend £1.5m on sports facilities including a 3G Artificial Grass Pitch and a new Padel tennis court, which it intends to make available to the local facilities at Austin Friars school, in Etterby Scaur, Carlisle, are being developed in partnership with the Football Foundation and Cumberland FAThe school hopes the provision of a Padel court - a racket sport combining elements of tennis and squash which is tipped to become an Olympic sport - will support and inspire future Chris Hattam said: "Offering support to the community is a core responsibility of our school, and we will strive to provide access to these new facilities." The independent day school said the football facility, which will be built to Fifa standards, should be ready for use next Lewis, football development manager at Cumberland FA, said he hoped it would become a "thriving community hub for local grassroots sport", such as football, rugby and American football. The building project is funded by a mixture of "benefactors" and "partnerships through a number of agencies", a school spokesman plans also include a new art and design centre and a food technology department, which the school hopes may support the local hospitality has announced plans to invite primary schools to use the space and "educate parents at a series of health-oriented evening classes". Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram.