For many young sports enthusiasts, watching a Grand Slam tennis tournament is a dream. For four children from India, that dream could soon become reality.
Kia India has opened registrations for its Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27, giving boys and girls aged 12 to 15 years an opportunity to become official Ballkids at the Australian Open 2027 in Melbourne, Australia.
The initiative is open to children from across the country, and importantly, no prior tennis experience is required. The programme aims to identify energetic, disciplined and enthusiastic youngsters who are eager to be part of one of the world’s most prestigious sporting events.
The selection process will begin with online registrations through a dedicated programme portal. After this, city-level trials will be held in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Participants shortlisted during these trials will move to the next stage of the competition.
A total of 20 participants from each city will qualify for the National Trials, which are scheduled to take place in Delhi on 24 and 25 October 2026. Following the final round, four winners will be selected to travel to Melbourne and represent India as official Ballkids during the Australian Open 2027.
The city-wise registration schedule has already been announced. Young participants in Delhi can register until 23 September, while registrations for Mumbai will remain open until 26 September. Children in Bengaluru can apply until 3 October 2026. The city trials will take place shortly after the registration deadlines.
Beyond the excitement of international travel and exposure to world-class tennis, the programme is designed to help children develop important life skills. Ballkids are required to remain alert, focused and disciplined while working on court. The role encourages qualities such as teamwork, agility, confidence and responsibility.
Kia’s association with the Australian Open spans more than two decades. Through this long-standing partnership, the company has supported various initiatives aimed at connecting young people with the sport. In previous editions as well, selected Indian children were given the opportunity to participate in the tournament and experience the atmosphere of a global sporting event firsthand.
Speaking about the programme, Kia India said it hopes to provide young Indian sports enthusiasts with a platform that goes beyond competition and allows them to be part of a memorable international experience.
For many children, standing on the courts of the Australian Open may seem like a distant dream. Through this initiative, Kia India is offering four youngsters a chance to step onto one of tennis’s biggest stages and proudly represent the country before a global audience.
