Suhana Spices Up India’s Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Campaign as Team Sponsor in Pune
Pune, April 4, 2025: The Indian team, set to compete in the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Asia-Oceania Group-1, will enjoy home support as they take on their opponents at the Mhalunge Balewadi Tennis Complex in Pune from April 8 to April 12. Adding to the excitement, Suhana, a leading spice brand, has come on board as the team’s official sponsor.
India will be aiming for a historic berth in the play-offs for the second time, as the tournament returns to India after a decade. This marks the first time the event is being hosted in Pune, 25 years since Maharashtra last hosted the competition.
The event is supported by the Department of Sports and Youth Services, Government of Maharashtra, and the Sports Authority of India (SAI). Suhana’s sponsorship reflects a commitment to empowering Indian women’s tennis and rallying fans behind the national team.
Suhana’s Commitment to Indian Tennis
Speaking about the association, Rajkumar Chordia, Chairman of Suhana, who is also an avid tennis player, said:
“Suhana has been supporting junior Indian tennis through the Pravin Trophy for over three decades. We are proud to associate with the Indian women’s team as they take on the challenge of the Billie Jean King Cup qualifiers in our home city.”
Vishal Chordia, Director of Suhana and a former national-ranked tennis player, expressed his enthusiasm:
“It is a great honour to support a young and dynamic Indian team. We believe in their potential and are confident that they will fight hard for a spot in the world group play-offs.”
Indian Team Unveils New Kits
Alongside the sponsorship announcement, the Indian team also unveiled their new kits for the Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Asia-Oceania Group-1.
Tournament Director and Hon. Secretary of MSLTA, Sunder Iyer, introduced the Indian squad:
- Ankita Raina (Asian Games bronze medallist and India’s top-ranked singles player)
- Sahaja Yamalapalli
- Shrivalli Bhamidipaty
- Vaidehi Chaudhari
- Prarthana Thombare (doubles specialist and recent standout at the WTA Mumbai Open)
- Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi (15-year-old rising star and reserve player)
Additionally, Radhika Kanitkar Tulpule, a former player from Pune, has been appointed as the team’s coach.
Tournament Format & India’s Chances
India will face New Zealand, Chinese Taipei, South Korea, Thailand, and Hong Kong China in a round-robin format. The top two teams will qualify for the play-offs in November.
Last year, India narrowly missed qualification, finishing third behind China and South Korea. A decisive 2-1 loss to New Zealand in the final round denied them a play-off spot. With home advantage and fan support, India is determined to go the distance this time.
Preparations & Free Entry for Fans
Indian captain Vishal Uppal shared insights into the team’s preparation:
“Training has begun in Pune, and our focus is to keep the players fit, healthy, and sharp on the court. The energy within the squad is strong, and we are ready to compete.”
To support the team, city-based sports physios Rutuja Kulkarni and Apurva Kulkarni have been assigned to work with the players.
Abhishek Tamhane, PMDTA Secretary, announced that entry will be free for all spectators, allowing tennis fans to experience world-class matches up close.
Broadcast & Sponsors
The Billie Jean King Cup 2025 Asia-Oceania Group-I matches will be broadcast live on DD Sports.
The tournament is powered by Sports Authority of India (SAI) and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Welfare, Maharashtra, with additional sponsorship from Bisleri, Shiv-Naresh, Manipal Hospitals, and Dunlop.
Indian Squad for Billie Jean King Cup 2025
- Players: Ankita Raina, Prarthana Thombare, Sahaja Yamalapalli, Shrivalli Bhamidipaty, Vaidehi Chaudhari, Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi (Reserve)
- Captain: Vishal Uppal
- Coach: Radhika Kanitkar Tulpule
- Physios: Rutuja Kulkarni & Apurva Kulkarni
