Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass-premium automakers and a long-standing partner of the Australian Open, has announced the opening of entries for the Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27.
The initiative will give young tennis enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the Australian Open 2027 from close quarters and participate in one of the world’s most prestigious tennis tournaments.
Through the program, selected young participants will get the opportunity to represent India on an international sporting platform while gaining first-hand exposure to the atmosphere and action at the Australian Open.
Boys and girls aged 12–15 years can submit their entries digitally through the dedicated programme microsite. No prior tennis experience is required to participate in the programme. For more information on the programme, eligibility criteria, registration process and terms and conditions, please visit the Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27 | Official Portal
Commenting on this occasion, Mr. Atul Sood, Senior Vice President – Sales and Marketing, Kia India, said, “Our longstanding association with the Australian Open has given us the opportunity to be part of some of the world’s most exciting tennis moments and engage with fans across markets. Through the Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27, we are delighted to extend this association to young tennis enthusiasts in India, giving them an opportunity to experience the sport at an international level and be part of the action at the Australian Open. We look forward to seeing young participants from across the country take part in the selection process, with four of them ultimately earning the opportunity to become Official Australian Open Ballkids and represent India in Melbourne.”
Following the digital registration process, Kia India will conduct city trials across Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, providing aspiring Ballkids from across the country an opportunity to participate in the selection process. From each city, 20 participants will be shortlisted to advance to the National Trials in Delhi on 24–25 October 2026. The National Trials will culminate in the selection of four winners, who will become Official Australian Open Ballkids and represent India at the Australian Open 2027 in Melbourne.
Registration & City Trial Schedule
| City | Last date to register | City Trials |
| Delhi | 23 September 2026 | 26–27 September 2026 |
| Mumbai | 26 September 2026 | 3–4 October 2026 |
| Bengaluru | 03 October 2026 | 10–11 October 2026 |
The Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27 provides young participants with an opportunity to experience international tennis from close quarters and be part of the action at one of the sport’s biggest global stages. The programme also encourages young participants to develop qualities such as focus, agility, teamwork and confidence.
With a 24+ year association with the Australian Open, Kia has been an enduring presence in global tennis, engaging fans and young enthusiasts through the tournament and initiatives such as the Australian Open Ballkids programme.
Kia India has previously enabled young Ballkids from India to participate at the Australian Open in Melbourne, providing them with an opportunity to experience the global sporting environment and engage with the world of professional tennis. Building on this association, the Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27 continues Kia India’s endeavour to provide the next generation with opportunities to experience international tennis and be part of a global sporting platform.
