New Delhi: Kia India has selected four young participants to represent India at the Australian Open 2027 in Melbourne through its AO27 Ballkids Programme. The selection followed two days of national trials held on October 24–25 at the R.K. Khanna Tennis Stadium in New Delhi, where 60 shortlisted candidates competed for the opportunity to serve as Official Australian Open Ballkids at one of tennis’s most prestigious Grand Slam tournaments.
The initiative, part of Kia’s longstanding association with the Australian Open, aims to give young Indians first-hand exposure to international tennis while developing skills such as discipline, coordination, teamwork and concentration.
60 Young Participants Compete for Four Positions
The selection process began with digital registrations, followed by city-level trials conducted in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru.
A total of 60 participants advanced to the National Trials in New Delhi, where they underwent assessments designed to evaluate the physical and mental demands of supporting professional tennis matches.
Candidates were assessed on agility, coordination, focus, responsiveness, communication and teamwork. These abilities are essential for ballkids, whose responsibilities require quick reactions, precise movements and sustained concentration throughout matches.
Although ballkids rarely attract the attention reserved for the players, their efficiency helps ensure that matches proceed smoothly. At a Grand Slam tournament, even retrieving a tennis ball requires considerable preparation and precision.
The four successful participants will now have the opportunity to serve as Official Australian Open Ballkids at the 2027 tournament in Melbourne.
Kia India Highlights Opportunities for Young Tennis Enthusiasts
Commenting on the conclusion of the national trials, Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said:
“Kia’s longstanding association with the Australian Open reflects our commitment to celebrating tennis and inspiring the next generation. Through the AO27 Ballkids Program, we are creating opportunities for young Indians to experience world-class tennis and represent India on a global sporting platform. We congratulate the four selected participants and look forward to seeing them at the Australian Open 2027 in Melbourne.”
The programme is intended to provide participants with an understanding of the preparation and operational discipline required at an international sporting event.
Beyond their on-court responsibilities, the selected youngsters will be able to observe the professionalism, coordination and teamwork involved in organising a major tennis tournament.
Building on a 24-Year Partnership With the Australian Open
Kia’s association with the Australian Open spans more than 24 years, with the automaker serving as the tournament’s Official Automotive Partner.
The AO27 Ballkids Programme extends this partnership beyond conventional sponsorship activities by creating opportunities for young participants to become directly involved in the tournament.
For Kia India, the initiative also aligns with its broader brand philosophy, Movement that Inspires, which emphasises participation, ambition and community engagement.
Rather than focusing exclusively on professional athletes, the programme highlights the contributions of young volunteers and support personnel who play an important role in the successful conduct of international sporting competitions.
A Grand Slam Experience Beyond the Tennis Court
For the four selected participants, the Australian Open 2027 will offer an opportunity to experience one of the world’s major tennis tournaments from a perspective rarely available to spectators.
Working alongside the tournament’s ballkids team will expose them to the pace of professional matches, the discipline required at elite sporting events and the importance of coordinated teamwork under pressure.
The programme also demonstrates how international sporting partnerships can create opportunities for young people beyond traditional competitive pathways.
As preparations for the Australian Open 2027 continue, the four young Indians will have the chance to contribute to a global sporting event while representing their country in a role where precision, composure and teamwork matter just as much as enthusiasm for tennis.
