Kia India has opened entries for the Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27, giving young tennis enthusiasts a shot at representing India as Official Ballkids at the Australian Open 2027 in Melbourne.
Boys and girls aged 12–15, with no prior tennis experience required, can register digitally through a dedicated programme microsite. City-wise registration deadlines run through September and early October – Delhi by 23 September, Mumbai by 26 September, and Bengaluru by 3 October – followed by city trials in each location.
From every city, 20 shortlisted participants will advance to National Trials in Delhi on 24–25 October, which will determine the four winners who go on to represent India as Official Australian Open Ballkids in Melbourne.
Speaking on the initiative, Atul Sood, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said the brand’s long-running association with the Australian Open has allowed it to be part of some of tennis’s most exciting moments globally, and that extending this to young Indian enthusiasts gives them a chance to experience the sport at an international level. He added that Kia looks forward to participants from across the country entering the selection process, with four ultimately earning the opportunity to represent India at the tournament.
Beyond the on-court experience, the programme is framed around building focus, agility, teamwork and confidence among participants. It builds on Kia’s 24-plus-year association with the Australian Open and its prior track record of sending young Indian Ballkids to Melbourne, continuing the brand’s push to connect the next generation with global sporting platforms.
