McDonald’s India (West & South), under Westlife Foodworld, has announced a new partnership with the Indian Padel Academy (IPA by Game Park Pvt Ltd) to promote and grow the sport of padel across the country.

This collaboration marks a key milestone for Westlife Foodworld, the company that owns and operates McDonald’s restaurants in West and South India. It’s part of the brand’s broader commitment to go beyond restaurants, fostering community development and empowering young India through sport.

Building on McDonald’s global legacy of supporting sports from the Olympics to grassroots programmes this initiative brings that same spirit home, aligning with India’s fast-evolving sports culture.

Padel, a dynamic racquet sport that’s taking the world by storm, has been gaining fans in India for its exciting mix of energy, teamwork, and accessibility. Through this partnership, McDonald’s India aims to strengthen padel’s footprint in the country by improving infrastructure, training, and tournaments, making the sport more inclusive and within reach for all.

Akshay Jatia, Chief Executive Officer, Westlife Foodworld, shared, “At McDonald’s India, we have always believed in the power of bringing people together, whether through food, community initiatives or shared experiences. Sport is a natural extension of that belief. In the same spirit that has connected communities across continents, McDonald’s India is now bringing that global ethos home, using sport as a platform to inspire, include, and uplift. Through our partnership with the Indian Padel Academy, which is one of India’s largest Padel academies, we hope to inspire young people to dream bigger, play stronger, grow together and someday make India proud at a global platform.”

The initiative aims to go beyond courts and restaurants, focusing on creating opportunities for children to access quality padel facilities and learn from top coaches. The goal is to nurture not just strong athletes but well-rounded individuals who embody teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship.

Nikhil Sachdev, Co-founder & Head of Marketing, Brand Development, and Strategy – Padel Park India, added, "India is ready for the next chapter in padel. This goes beyond the courts, focusing on global partnerships and world-class infrastructure. Our collaboration with McDonald’s India (W&S) is a major step forward. We are joining hands with leading international padel academies to build a strong and inclusive community. The goal is to bring the sport to more people, especially children. We aim to enroll students nationwide through school programmes, certified training, and city leagues, and hope to see future world-class padel players emerge from India.”

This partnership perfectly aligns with McDonald’s long-standing philosophy of supporting sports and community growth, extending it locally to nurture grassroots talent. For McDonald’s India (West & South), which continues to back local causes and social initiatives, this collaboration is another meaningful stride toward being not just a restaurant brand — but a catalyst for community and cultural growth.

About Westlife Foodworld:

Westlife Foodworld Limited (BSE: 505533) focuses on setting up and operating Quick Service Restaurants (QSR) in India through its subsidiary, Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt. Ltd. (HRPL). The company operates McDonald’s restaurants across West and South India under a master franchise agreement with McDonald’s Corporation USA.

About Hardcastle Restaurants Pvt Ltd:

HRPL owns and operates over 450 McDonald’s restaurants across 72 cities in India, serving more than 200 million customers annually. With formats like McCafé, Drive-Thrus, McDelivery, and dessert kiosks, HRPL continues to deliver on McDonald’s core values of Quality, Service, Cleanliness, and Value.

About Game Park Pvt. Ltd.:

Game Park Pvt. Ltd. develops and operates sports infrastructure across India, creating racquet-sport and multi-sport venues, leagues, and grassroots programmes in partnership with schools and brands to boost participation.

About Indian Padel Academy (IPA):

An initiative by Game Park Pvt. Ltd., the Indian Padel Academy is India’s largest structured padel academy, building a national pathway from grassroots to elite. It designs training programs, operates high-performance squads, certifies coaches, and hosts tournaments to make padel a year-round sport in India.

Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mamallapuram welcomed the festive season with a heartwarming celebration that seamlessly wove together tradition, sophistication, and sustainability. The annual Christmas Cake Mixing Ceremony was paired this year with a grand Wine Tasting experience, adding a refined twist to the resort’s cherished festive ritual.

Held across the resort’s Savana Lawn and Heritage Lobby, the evening was attended by prominent corporate guests, social personalities, and children from local outreach programmes, symbolising the spirit of togetherness and generosity that defines the holiday season.

“The spirit of giving is at the core of our celebrations,” shared Vikram Cotah, CEO of GRT Hotels and Resorts. “Having the children from the community join us makes this occasion even more meaningful. Their presence adds warmth to our traditions and reminds us what the season is truly about.”

An Evening of Joy, Elegance, and Purpose

The celebration began at Cask & Barrels with festive melodies and an exclusive wine tasting session curated by Sommelier Praveen Krishnamurthy. Guests enjoyed a selection of fine wines, perfectly paired with the evening’s cheerful mood and coastal setting.

Following the tasting, the highlight of the event unfolded — the Cake Mixing Ceremony, where participants donned aprons and caps to mix over 120 kilograms of dry fruits with premium spirits and syrups, filling the air with the comforting aroma of Christmas.

The festivities continued with a playful parade of Wonderland characters, as children, reindeers, and snowmen led the way from the lobby to the Infinity Pool Deck for the grand tree lighting.

A Sustainable Spark to the Season

In keeping with the resort’s eco-conscious philosophy, the tree lighting was reimagined as a Sustainable Christmas Tree ceremony. Instead of lighting a traditional tree, guests planted saplings into a custom-designed metal frame shaped like a Christmas tree. Each sapling will continue to grow as a living tribute to responsible celebration — an initiative that reflects the resort’s commitment to mindful hospitality.

The evening concluded with carols performed by a 40-member choir, spreading festive cheer under the starlit sky.

Adding to the artistic charm of the evening, visual artist R. Vasanthakumaran’s latest collection, inspired by the legendary Pandavas, is currently on display at the Savana and Heritage Lobby, enriching the cultural ambience of the resort.

About Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay, Mamallapuram

Set along the tranquil shores of the Bay of Bengal, Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay is one of India’s most iconic coastal getaways. Blending modern luxury with timeless charm, the resort offers world-class accommodations, ocean-facing villas, and exceptional dining experiences.

Just a short drive from Chennai and close to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Mamallapuram, it serves as both a leisure retreat and a preferred destination for weddings, corporate gatherings, and wellness escapes.

Part of GRT Hotels & Resorts, the property champions sustainable and inclusive hospitality, offering pet-friendly stays and green initiatives that nurture the environment. Every experience at Temple Bay reflects GRT’s philosophy luxury that cares.

The festive spirit arrived early at Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway as the hotel hosted its much-loved Annual Cake Mixing Ceremony, a joyful celebration that marked the beginning of the holiday season with warmth, laughter, and togetherness.

Titled “Mixing Happiness,” the event captured the essence of the season with an intoxicating blend of festive aromas, cheerful camaraderie, and culinary creativity. Guests, donning gloves, aprons, and toques, joined the hotel’s culinary team in the traditional ritual of blending assorted dry fruits, nuts, and spices, all soaked in fine rum, wine, and flavourful syrups that will mature beautifully in time for Christmas.

The vibrant afternoon was curated by Executive Chef Asif Iqbal and his culinary brigade, who handpicked the best ingredients and infused the event with energy and flair. Guests were also treated to a specially crafted menu inspired by the festive theme, making the occasion as indulgent as it was memorable.

“This ceremony is a celebration of festivity, happiness, and prosperity. It also symbolizes unity as it brings everyone together to welcome the season of thanksgiving, Christmas, and the New Year,” shared Divakar Shukla, General Manager, Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway.

The event concluded on a high note with joyful conversations, laughter, and a sumptuous buffet spread, perfectly capturing the spirit of the holidays. With its signature warmth and hospitality, Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway once again turned a cherished tradition into a moment of shared joy and festive anticipation.

About Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway

Located in the heart of Chennai’s IT corridor, Holiday Inn Chennai IT OMR Expressway offers a blend of comfort, convenience, and contemporary hospitality. The hotel features stylish rooms, innovative dining concepts, versatile event spaces, and warm service — making it an ideal destination for both business and leisure travellers.