RAPL Group Acquires Rajasthan Rangers, Sania Mirza Joins as Brand Ambassador Ahead of TPL Season 8

The RAPL Group, through Rajasthan Aushdhalaya Pvt. Ltd., has acquired the Rajasthan Rangers franchise in the Kia Tennis Premier League (TPL) ahead of the competition’s eighth season. 

The move marks the entry of the established Ayurvedic and herbal healthcare group into India’s professional sports ecosystem and comes with two major additions to the franchise: Indian tennis icon Sania Mirza as Brand Ambassador and Australian Grand Slam winner Rinky Hijikata as the international marquee player.

The franchise will operate under the leadership of Salim Diwan, Managing Director of RAPL Group, alongside Dr. Sattar Diwan, Chairman of RAPL Group, and Jonu Rana, Vice-Chairman of Rajasthan Rangers. The ownership change adds a new dimension to the Rajasthan Rangers ahead of Season 8, with the new group outlining ambitions around professional tennis, grassroots development, wellness and opportunities for emerging Indian players.

One of the biggest developments accompanying the acquisition is the appointment of Sania Mirza as the Rajasthan Rangers’ Brand Ambassador. A major figure in Indian tennis, Mirza brings an extensive playing legacy and international profile to the franchise. Her association is also significant given her stated alignment with the ownership group’s vision of structured, long-term investment in Indian tennis.

“I’m thrilled to be associated with a team that values both talent and innovation. Salim’s vision aligns perfectly with what Indian tennis needs—structured, long-term investment. I’m looking forward to supporting the Rajasthan Rangers this season,” Sania Mirza said. Her role is expected to add further visibility to the franchise as it prepares for the upcoming TPL season.

Rinky Hijikata Named International Marquee Player

The Rajasthan Rangers have also secured Australian tennis player Rinky Hijikata as their international marquee player. The 25-year-old has already achieved success on the Grand Slam stage, winning the 2023 Australian Open men’s doubles title and finishing runner-up in men’s doubles at Wimbledon 2025.

His signing reflects the Rangers’ intention to bring international experience into the TPL while combining it with India's domestic talent. The presence of a Grand Slam winner also adds an international dimension to the franchise as the league prepares for its eighth season.

The acquisition represents a new chapter for Rajasthan Aushdhalaya and the wider RAPL Group, whose journey dates back to 1952. The organisation has established its business in Ayurvedic and herbal healthcare, with a portfolio spanning Ayurvedic medicines, herbal products, nutraceuticals, wellness and other healthcare categories.

For Salim Diwan, the move into tennis creates an opportunity to connect the group's existing focus on wellness and healthcare with sport. “We are delighted to join the Tennis Premier League and take forward the Rajasthan Rangers. Tennis represents discipline, fitness and excellence - values that strongly align with our philosophy. Through the Rangers, we hope to support young talent and contribute meaningfully to the growth of tennis in India,” Diwan said.

The new ownership intends to use the franchise as a platform for developing connections between professional tennis, young players, fitness, wellness and the broader sporting community.

Beyond the franchise's participation in TPL, Diwan's vision includes making tennis more accessible and creating additional opportunities for young Indian players. The ownership group has highlighted grassroots development, increased exposure and sustained investment as important elements in building the next generation of Indian tennis players.

That approach also fits into the wider ecosystem being developed around the Tennis Premier League, which combines Indian players with international stars through its franchise-based structure. TPL Co-Founder Kunal Thakkur welcomed the new ownership group, saying RAPL Group's legacy and entrepreneurial vision made it an exciting addition to the league.

Co-Founder Mrunal Jain similarly highlighted the growing interest from businesses in using TPL as a platform to invest in Indian tennis.

The Rajasthan Rangers acquisition comes as the Kia Tennis Premier League prepares for its eighth season. TPL has continued to build a franchise-based professional tennis structure featuring leading Indian players alongside international talent. The league recently strengthened its commercial ecosystem with Kia India coming on board as an exclusive multi-year partner, including the Principal Partnership across all eight teams.

The league's format is designed to bring professional tennis closer to audiences while providing a platform for Indian players to compete alongside established international names. The Rajasthan Rangers will continue to represent Rajasthan in the competition under the new ownership.

With Sania Mirza joining as Brand Ambassador, Rinky Hijikata arriving as the international marquee player and RAPL Group taking control of the franchise, the Rangers enter Season 8 with a renewed identity and a stated focus on connecting professional tennis with grassroots development.

For RAPL Group, the acquisition also represents an expansion beyond its traditional healthcare business into professional sport, with the Rajasthan Rangers positioned as the group's platform to contribute to the growth and visibility of tennis in India.