The world of television just smashed its way into sports—and it did it in style. The announcement and mega auctions of the India Pro Badminton League (IPBL), held on March 26, 2026, turned into a full-blown celebrity spectacle, blending glamour, ambition, and competitive spirit under one roof.
What made the event truly stand out was the powerful presence of television celebrities stepping into completely new roles—not as performers, but as team owners. Urvashi Dholakia took charge as the owner of Team Speedy Shuttlers, while Falaq Naaz backed Team Shuttle Snipers. Deepshikha Nagpal joined the league with Super Smashers, and Geetanjali Mishra stepped in as the face behind Net Ninjas 1.
The list didn’t stop there. Upasna Singh brought her energy to Smash Masters, while Aastha Chaudhary took ownership of Flying Warriors 07. Gurpreet Kaur Chadha also joined the growing lineup with Ace Attackers Official, showing how deeply television personalities are now investing in sports ventures.
Adding to the star power, Sumona Chakravarti was spotted attending the high-profile launch and red carpet, bringing her signature charm to the evening. The event had all the makings of a grand entertainment night, but with a strong sporting backbone.
On the administrative front, former cricketer Harbhajan Singh took on the role of League Commissioner, lending credibility and experience to the initiative. The league itself is the brainchild of Vineet Chaturvedi, whose vision is to elevate badminton into a more commercially vibrant and widely followed sport.
The auctions were helmed by Yashika Gupta, who kept the energy high as teams bid strategically to build their squads. Meanwhile, the board features an impressive mix of sports talent and industry names, including boxer Akhil Kumar, hockey stars Sushila Chanu and Vandana Kataria, and para-badminton champion Manoj Sarkar.
Widely covered by entertainment platforms like Saas Bahu Aur Betiyaan, the event highlighted a growing trend—television celebrities expanding their horizons beyond acting and stepping into business and sports ownership.
What this launch really signals is a shift. The lines between entertainment and sports are blurring faster than ever. With celebrities bringing visibility, fan following, and investment into leagues like IPBL, badminton could be heading toward a much bigger stage. From daily soaps to shuttle courts, these stars are clearly ready for a new game—and they’re playing to win.