The city of Chennai is all set to witness an exciting sporting and cultural extravaganza as the Rise Up Championship (RUC) Foundation presents Pickleball By The Bay and Music Festival- India’s first international pickleball tournament held by the sea, set against the beautiful backdrop of the VGP Golden Beach Resort. Scheduled for September 26, 27, and 28, 2025, the event promises to provide a unique experience which is a blend of entertainment, sports and lifestyle.
The three-day tournament and festival is being held in association with the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), Tamil Nadu Pickleball Association (TNPA), Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) and Pickleball World Ranking (PWR), making it India’s first PWR 1000 sanctioned tournament. The event will feature top athletes from across the country and beyond, competing in five high-energy categories: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles.
With a generous prize pool of ₹25 lakhs for the winners, the stakes are high and the competition fierce.
Beyond the matches, the event’s experiential offerings include:
– Two world-class indoor courts by the bay
– Daily sundowner parties, bringing together players, fans, and lifestyle enthusiasts
– Live music performances from some of India’s top DJs and bands
– Global live streaming and social media activations, ensuring the event reaches audiences far beyond Chennai
– A festive, carnival-like environment, perfect for sports enthusiasts, music lovers and families.
With over 25,000 spectators expected, attendees will not only witness world-class matches but also enjoy a carnival-like atmosphere, full of music, beach vibes, and lifestyle experiences.
“Pickleball is a fast-paced, fun and highly engaging sport. By bringing it to the beach and surrounding it with live music and food, we’re taking the sport to an entirely new level, creating an unforgettable blend of athleticism, entertainment, and lifestyle,” says Mr. Selvakumar Baalu, Founder of RUC Foundation.
Adding to the high-octane sporting action, RUC has curated a lineup of music performances that blend laid-back beach vibes with electrifying beats. Attendees can expect:
Day 1 – September 26, 2025:
DJ Lash & Aishwarya
Day 2 – September 27, 2025:
DJ Sparrow | Vinaitha & Band | Pineapple Express
Day 3 – September 28, 2025:
Sublashini & Band | Masala Coffee | DJ Veekay
The Rise Up Championship Foundation
With a vision beyond sport, the RUC Foundation was launched earlier this year through the RUC Sports Film Festival, held on September 3 and 4, 2025, at AGS Cinemas, Chennai. The event featured iconic sports films in English and Tamil and was graced by sports and entertainment luminaries, including India’s first Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan, who unveiled the official RUC jersey.
Founded by a team with deep roots in sports, cinema, and business, the Rise Up Championship Foundation is driven by a vision to promote both emerging and professional sports while discovering and nurturing athletic talent. The Foundation seeks to build a vibrant ecosystem where sports are celebrated not just as competitions, but as a way of life. It also aims to foster meaningful collaborations with brands, creators, and communities, creating a platform that supports athletes and engages fans at every level.
Event Details:
Venue: VGP Golden Beach Resort, Chennai
Dates: September 26, 27 & 28, 2025
Tickets: Available now on Book My Show!
Book your tickets here:
Group Link:
https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/ruc-music-festival/ET00462572
Day 1 – Link:
https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/ruc-music-festival/ET00462454
Day 2 – Link:
https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/ruc-music-festival/ET00462568
Day 3 – Link:
https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/ruc-music-festival/ET00462570
Official website: [https://www.riseupchampionship.com/pickleball]
Follow us on Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/riseupchampionship/]
The Rise Up Championship is proudly supported by a group of esteemed sponsors and partners who share the vision of promoting sports and community engagement. Cheers Music joins as the Title Sponsor, with DRA Homes, SBI, and TATA Motors lending their support as key sponsors. Mudra Ads comes on board as the Outdoor Partner, while VGP Golden Beach Resorts plays a pivotal role as the Venue Partner, helping bring this unique sporting experience to life.
Vision and Mission – Rise Up Championship
Rise Up Championship is the brainchild of Mr. Selva, driven by the ambition to create a unique platform that blends sports, corporate collaboration, and entertainment. The organization’s core mission is threefold:
- To introduce and popularize unconventional sports such as golf, rugby, American football, and sailing in Tamil Nadu and across India, expanding the country’s sporting landscape beyond traditional disciplines.
- To foster corporate engagement by creating opportunities for networking and collaboration around sporting events, encouraging synergy between businesses and sports.
- To offer a holistic experience by integrating entertainment elements like music festivals alongside sporting events, transforming tournaments into lifestyle celebrations.
Looking ahead, Rise Up Championship aims to support emerging talent from underprivileged backgrounds through a dedicated CSR initiative. By scouting for athletes in lesser-known sports, providing career guidance, and promoting sports literacy, the organization hopes to empower young talents to achieve their aspirations on national and international platforms.
Ultimately, Rise Up Championship envisions creating transformative sporting experiences that inspire participation, entertainment, and community building, while opening new avenues for sports culture in India.
