NEW DELHI: In a major boost to the Hyderabad Pickleball League (HPL), acclaimed filmmaker and actor Tharun Bhascker Dhaassyam has joined The Raptors franchise as co-owner.
Tharun teams up with Kaushik Manepalli and Divya Priyanka Reddy, co-founders of Orbit Flight Training Centre, forming a dynamic ownership group that blends creativity, business acumen, and sporting enthusiasm.
The Raptors are one of eight franchises participating in India’s first professional, hyper-local pickleball league, which officially kicks off today in Hyderabad. The collaboration marks a confluence of cinema, aviation, and entrepreneurship — showcasing Hyderabad’s growing identity as a hub for innovation and sports.
Speaking on his association with the team, Tharun Bhascker said,
“I’ve always believed that sport and storytelling have something in common — both have the power to unite, inspire, and energize people. The Hyderabad Pickleball League is a brilliant platform that captures that spirit, and The Raptors represent everything I admire — energy, ambition, and character. I’m thrilled to be joining Kaushik and Divya in this journey and to contribute to a team that’s here to compete hard and entertain even harder.”
Welcoming Tharun to The Raptors, Kaushik Manepalli said,
“We’re delighted to have Tharun join The Raptors family. His creativity, perspective, and connection with audiences bring a completely new dimension to our team. The Raptors have always stood for boldness and belief, and with Tharun’s energy added to the mix, we’re ready to make a statement right from the first match tomorrow.”
Echoing similar excitement, Divya Priyanka Reddy added,
“The Hyderabad Pickleball League has already created so much excitement, and having Tharun onboard makes this moment even more special. The Raptors are a team built on passion, personality, and teamwork — qualities that define all three of us as co-owners. We’re looking forward to a competitive season and to being part of a league that’s redefining what modern sport can look like in India.”
The Hyderabad Pickleball League, owned and exclusively marketed by Centre Court Sports & Entertainment, features eight teams battling it out every Friday night across Hyderabad from October 10 to December 13, 2025.
With The Raptors’ leadership trio combining cinematic vision, entrepreneurial drive, and sporting passion, the team is set to bring a fresh, entertaining spirit to the inaugural HPL season — both on and off the court.
