New Delhi, India, 26 September 2026: Kia India, one of the country’s leading mass-premium automakers and a longstanding partner of the Australian Open, is set to kickoff the City Trials for the Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27 with the Delhi leg on 26–27 September 2026. The trials mark the next stage of the selection journey for young tennis enthusiasts aspiring to become Official Australian Open Ballkids.
Following the close of registrations for Delhi on 23 September 2026, shortlisted boys and girls aged 12–15 years will participate in the two-day City Trials. With no priortennis experience required, participants will take part in a series of activities designed to assess skills and qualities relevant to the Ballkid role, including agility, coordination, focus, communication and teamwork. Participants will be required to attendthe trials with a parent or legal guardian.
The two-day trials will provide participants with an opportunity to understand the role of a Ballkid and the skills involved in supporting the smooth conduct of a professionaltennis match. Through a range of on-court and activity-based exercises, participants will get a closer understanding of the focus, responsiveness, coordination and teamwork required to perform the role.
For young participants in Delhi, the trials will offer an opportunity to engage with tennis in a different way and experience the discipline, focus and teamwork involved inbeing a Ballkid at an international sporting event.
Following the Delhi City Trials, 20 participants will be shortlisted to advance to the National Trials later this year. The City Trials will subsequently move to Mumbai on3–4 October and Bengaluru on 10–11 October 2026, with 20 participants from each city progressing to the National Trials. Four winners will ultimately be selected to become Official Australian Open Ballkids and represent India at the Australian Open 2027 inMelbourne.
The Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27 builds on Kia’s 24+ year association with the Australian Open and its longstanding engagement with young tennis enthusiasts through thetournament’s Ballkids programme. Through the initiative, Kia India continues its endeavour to provide the next generation with opportunities to engage with tennis and experience the sport at an international level.
