Kia India Ballkids Program

Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27

Kia India Ballkids Program
at AO27

Make your move in Melbourne

What if your next tennis experience was
on one of the biggest stages in the world?

Kia presents the AO27 India Ballkids program

Register Now See How It Works
Note: Applications close on
Delhi
23rd Sep 2026
Mumbai
26th Sep 2026
Bengaluru
3rd Oct 2026
Don't miss your chance to become an Official Australian Open Ballkid.

Step Onto The Grand Slam Stage

On Court At AO27

Experience the Australian Open
from the court.

Train As Ballkids

Learn from experts.
Train like a pro.

Wear The Moment

Get your official ballkid kit
and goodies.

Make Memories For Life

From your first audition
to Melbourne.

Ballkids ready at net

Kia India Ballkids Program

Dream Big. Move Different. Represent India.

Tennis is about staying quick, calm, and ready; that's what being ballkids is all about.

No competitive tennis experience needed, just a love for the game and the ability to keep your cool under pressure.

Kia India Ballkids Program at AO27 gives four young tennis enthusiasts across India a shot at experiencing the Australian Open from inside the action, in Melbourne.

Could you be one of them?

So, What Does A Ballkid Actually Do?

You don't just watch the match. You help make it happen.

A Ballkid keeps the match moving by collecting and delivering balls and supporting the action on court. It takes more than speed—you need focus, game knowledge, calmness, communication and responsibility.

It's fast. It's focused. It's exciting. And once you're on court, you're part of the game.

A great ballkid needs to:

Move Quickly

Get where you need to be, when you need to be there.

Stay Focused

Keep your concentration, even during long and intense matches.

Know The Game

Understand the rules and flow of a tennis match.

Stay Calm

Think clearly and react quickly when the pressure is on.

Communicate

Basic English communication with players and referees is required.

Be Responsible

Because on a Grand Slam court, every move matters.

Ballkids juggling tennis balls outside Rod Laver Arena

Eligibility Criteria

Because the four winners travel to Melbourne, a few criteria are essential. Please confirm these before you register.

Indian Passport

The player must hold a valid passport (valid through at least till August 2027) for travel to Australia.

Age 12-15 Years

Participants must be 12-15 years old as of 31st December 2026.

Fluency in English

Comfortable understanding and speaking English with players and officials.

School-going Student

Currently enrolled in school. No tennis experience required.

Willing to Attend a City Trial

In Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru, with a parent or guardian.

Fitness & Guardian Consent

Medically fit for physical activity, with Parent/Guardian consent and accompaniment.

Medical Certificate
Large squad of Australian Open Ballkids group picture
Large squad of Australian Open Ballkids group picture
- A Little Preparation Goes A Long Way.

Before You Register

You don't need to upload everything at registration, but keeping your documents ready can make the process easier.

Keep these handy

Proof of age
Valid Indian passport
Parent/guardian details
Relevant tennis information
Medical Fitness Certificate, as required

Make sure documents are clear, well-lit and easy to read.
Phone photographs are fine.

Ballkid rolling balls on court

A Few Quick Tips

To ensure a seamless registration experience, please keep the documents ready for upload during the registration process.

Ensure all uploads are clear, well-lit, and legible. Mobile phone photos are accepted.
The passport is essential.
Keep your reference ID safe after registering.

Ensure all uploads are clear, well-lit, and legible.
Mobile phone photos are accepted.

The passport is essential.

Keep your reference ID safe after registering.

- How To Enroll

Your Turn To Step On Court.

Ready to take your first step towards Melbourne?
Before you register, make sure you:

Step 1
Meet The Eligibility Criteria

Complete the online registration form with your personal details, parent/guardian information and tennis background.

5 minutes | Free
Step 2
City Trials

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to participate in the City Trials in person in Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.

Delhi 26th - 27th Sep 2026
Mumbai 3rd - 4th Oct 2026
Bengaluru 10th - 11th Oct 2026
Step 3
National Trials & Winner Announcement

Top 60 finalists go through National Trials with Tennis Australia, and the winners are announced as part of the official AO27 Ballkids Squad.

Delhi
24th - 25th Oct 2026
Step 4
Australian Open 2027

The four selected Ballkids will represent India
at the Australian Open 2027
in Melbourne.

Melbourne
11th - 31st Jan 2027
Ballkid kneeling on court

FAQs

Got questions? Let's clear them up.
The programme is open to children aged 12-15 years at the time of registration, who are Indian citizens holding a valid Indian passport.
No. The programme is open to children interested in tennis. Prior competitive playing experience is not required.
No. Registration and participation in the programme are free.
City Trials will take place in Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.
Four.
To Melbourne, Australia, to represent India as Official Australian Open Ballkids at AO27.
AO27 runs from 11th-31st January 2027 at Melbourne Park. The main draw begins on 17th January.
  • Yes. Registration must be completed by a parent or legal guardian, and parental/guardian consent is required throughout the programme.
  • Guardians are required to accompany the children during the City and National Trials. However, guardians will not accompany the children during the AO Experience in Melbourne.
  • The children will be accompanied and supervised by the designated Kia Chaperones throughout the AO27 experience.

Your Move Starts Here.

Dream big. Stay ready. Make your move.

From registration to the Australian Open court,
every step brings you closer to the
AO27 Ballkids Squad experience.

Register Now
Note: Applications close on
Delhi
23rd Sep 2026
Mumbai
26th Sep 2026
Bengaluru
3rd Oct 2026
Don't miss your chance to become an Official Australian Open Ballkid.

Medical Fitness
Certificate

A Simple Guide for Parents
& Participants

1. Why is this needed?

Every candidate taking part in the City Trials and National Trials will participate in physical activities, including running, catching, throwing, agility and movement drills.

To help keep every child safe, we require a medical fitness certificate from a registered medical practitioner confirming that your child is medically fit to participate in these activities.

2. What should the certificate say?

Ask your doctor to provide a short certificate that includes:

  • Your child's full name and age
  • A clear statement that the child is "medically fit to participate in physical / sports activity"
  • Confirmation that, based on the doctor's assessment, the child is fit to safely participate in the physical activities involved in the program
  • The date the certificate was issued
  • The doctor's name, signature, registration number and clinic/hospital stamp

3. Who can issue the certificate?

The certificate must be issued by a registered medical practitioner with a valid medical registration.

It should be issued on the doctor's official letterhead or prescription pad, with their registration number clearly visible. These details are required for the certificate to be accepted for submission.

4. When should I get the certificate?

The certificate should be dated within 30 days of your City Trials date.

A certificate that is too old may not be accepted, so we recommend getting it closer to your audition date rather than immediately after registering.

5. Quick Checklist

  • Visit a registered doctor (a family physician or pediatrician is fine)
  • Ask for a medical fitness certificate for sports/physical activity
  • Get the certificate on the doctor's official letterhead or prescription pad
  • Check that it has the doctor's signature, registration number and stamp
  • Make sure the certificate is dated within 30 days of your City Trials
  • Keep a printed copy with you for the audition
  • Upload a scanned copy during registration, if required