Four Indian ball kids picked for Australian Open 2027 after national trials in Delhi

Kia India has completed the national trials of its "AO27 Ballkids Programme" at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium in New Delhi. Four young Indians have been selected as official ball kids for the Australian Open 2027. They will represent India at the Grand Slam tournament in Melbourne, Australia. Kia India is running the programme as part of its long global partnership with the Australian Open.

The nationwide search began with digital registration, followed by city-level trials in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. From these, 60 participants were picked for the national trials. Twenty-four reached the final round of evaluation, and four of them were finalised for AO27.

The selection criteria were also spelt out. Participants were assessed on agility, coordination, concentration, responsiveness, precise communication and teamwork, qualities needed to keep matches running without interruption at a world-class tennis tournament.

Atul Sood, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said at the event: "Kia's long association with the Australian Open shows our commitment to celebrating tennis and inspiring the next generation. Through the AO27 Ballkids Programme, we are giving India's youth a chance to represent India on a global sporting stage. We heartily congratulate all four selected participants and look forward to their performance at the Australian Open 2027 in Melbourne."

Kia has been associated with global sport for more than 24 years as the official automotive partner of the Australian Open. The initiative puts into practice Kia's "Movement that Inspires" philosophy, which aims to promote participation through sport and support the ambitions of young people. The four selected ball kids will share the court with international tennis players in Melbourne and see the grandeur, discipline and professionalism of the Grand Slam tournament at close quarters.

The city-level trials were held in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, while the national trials were held at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium in New Delhi.