In a significant development for Indian tennis, Kia India has announced a landmark multi-year partnership with the Tennis Premier League (TPL) in Mumbai, becoming the league's Exclusive Sponsor. This three-year collaboration aims to leverage Kia's global tennis legacy and TPL's expanding grassroots initiatives to enhance tennis participation and engagement across the country.

Kia India, touted as one of the leading smart car leaders in the country with a widespread network of 891 touchpoints across 396 cities and renowned for its rich history of 25 years in tennis through its association with the Australian Open, is committed to fostering youth-oriented initiatives that promote the sport. The partnership with TPL, which has successfully completed seven seasons under the All India Tennis Association, aligns with Kia's vision to inspire a new generation of tennis enthusiasts in India.

As part of this collaboration, Kia India will feature prominently across the TPL ecosystem, including the TPL App and all eight franchise teams, including two-time finalist Yash Mumbai Eagles and defending champions GS Delhi Aces, serving as the front-of-jersey sponsor. The partnership also aims to bolster TPL's grassroots efforts, which have already supported over 80 young players through initiatives like the "Race to Gold Scholarship." With Kia's backing, TPL plans to empower an additional 120 young athletes, aspiring to cultivate Olympic-level talent for the 2036 Olympics.

Sharing his thoughts on the landmark multi-year partnership as Exclusive Sponsor for TPL, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President-Sales and Marketing, Kia India expressed “"Our partnership with the Tennis Premier League aligns with our belief in sports as a catalyst for inspiration, aiming to engage and develop tennis for a new generation in India."

Kunal Thakkur and Mrunal Jain, Co-Founders of the TPL, expressed their enthusiasm for the partnership with Kia India and opined that the collaboration validates their commitment to developing a robust grassroots ecosystem through initiatives like Race to Gold. “With Kia India as a long-term partner, TPL aims to enhance its efforts in nurturing young talent and creating a comprehensive tennis environment, ultimately working together to build champions for India and elevate the sport to new heights”, shared the Co-founders Thakkur and Jain.

India’s legendary Tennis icon and 18-time Grand Slam Champion Leander Paes, who has played a pivotal role in the growth of TPL as a mentor, promoter, and co-owner over the years said, “"Partnerships like this with Kia India are vital for the future of Indian tennis, providing essential support and credibility to our growing ecosystem."