After the massive success of its Corporate Football Cup, TV9 Network has announced the launch of a new sporting initiative — the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship.

This fresh venture, created in association with the prestigious Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy, promises to bring the same energy, competition, and camaraderie to India’s thriving corporate community, this time through the love of badminton, the news network said in a press statement.

The tournament has been designed not just as another sports event, but as a vibrant platform that blends fitness, networking, and the spirit of teamwork. Barun Das, Managing Director and CEO of TV9 Network, emphasized the broader purpose behind the championship, saying, “At TV9, we believe in championing sporting events that go beyond mere competition. These initiatives inspire fitness, teamwork, and well-being. Following the success of our Corporate Cup Football, we are proud to further expand our commitment by building an ecosystem where corporate professionals are motivated to excel both in the boardroom and on the court.”

Hyderabad, chosen as the host city for the first edition, brings its rich sporting heritage to the spotlight. Vikram K., Chief Operating Officer, TV9 Network-South, and Director of the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship, said the choice of venue was no coincidence. “Hyderabad has not only established itself as an industrial powerhouse but also as a cradle of sporting legends like Pullela Gopichand, Sania Mirza, VVS Laxman, Saina Nehwal, PV Sindhu, Satwik Sairaj, and Chirag Shetty. Launching this championship here is a tribute to the city’s unbeatable spirit of passion and performance,” he added.

Adding a powerful voice to the initiative, Pullela Gopichand, Chief National Coach of India’s National Badminton Team, shared his excitement about bridging the world of corporate professionals with the game he cherishes. “Badminton has given me everything. With the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship, we’re bringing that passion into the corporate world too. It’s an opportunity for working professionals to not just compete, but to reconnect with the joy of sport,” he said.

The tournament will be hosted at the renowned Pullela Gopichand Badminton Academy in Hyderabad — the very institution that has given India world-class athletes like PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, and Kidambi Srikanth. Now, these legendary courts will welcome ambitious minds from India’s top companies for an unforgettable sporting experience.

Open to companies and LLPs with at least two years of establishment and a minimum of ten employees, the championship offers two categories of competition. In the Men’s Category, teams of 3 to 5 players will compete across two Men’s Singles matches and one Men’s Doubles match. Meanwhile, the Open Category will see mixed teams, mandating at least one female player, competing in two Men’s Singles and one Mixed Doubles match. Companies can field multiple teams, allowing more employees to participate and represent their organizations.

The stakes are high, with cash prizes worth up to Rs.6,00,000, but the rewards go far beyond the money. Winners will receive an exclusive two-day coaching session at the Pullela Gopichand Academy, gaining insights and training under some of the finest minds in badminton. They will also earn special invitations to premier badminton championships across India, offering exposure to the highest level of the sport.

For brands and businesses, the News9 Corporate Badminton Championship also doubles as an exciting sponsorship platform. With extensive on-ground branding, digital promotions, and an opportunity to engage directly with top corporate decision-makers, the event is set to become one of the year’s most high-impact corporate gatherings.

Registrations for the championship are now open. Interested participants can log on to www.news9corporatecup.com to secure their place and be part of India’s biggest corporate badminton celebration.

The shuttle is in the air — and the race to corporate glory has begun.