Will Harsh Mehta Rule at PWR India Masters: As the popularity of pickleball surges across India, Harsh Mehta, the country’s top player, reflects on the sport’s remarkable growth, particularly in metropolitan areas. Mehta believes that improvements in infrastructure, a rise in the number of tournaments, and an influx of professional athletes transitioning from other racquet sports have significantly contributed to the game’s expansion. He asserts that the accessibility and smaller space requirements of pickleball may allow it to eventually surpass traditional racquet sports in popularity.
Mehta’s journey to becoming India’s No. 1 ranked doubles player has been nothing short of inspiring. A national-level table tennis player before embracing pickleball, the Mumbai native discovered his passion for the sport in 2019. He describes pickleball as a unique blend of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, and emphasizes the importance of skills like hand-eye coordination and reflexes—skills he honed during his table tennis career.
The Evolution of ‘The Wall’
Renowned for his unique “block punch” technique, Mehta has earned the moniker “The Wall.” This distinctive approach is a testament to his strategic focus on simplicity and consistency in gameplay. As he looks ahead to the PWR (Pickleball World Rankings) DUPR India Masters, Mehta is determined to make his mark on the international stage, setting his sights on winning the MVP title of the tournament. The event is scheduled from October 24 to October 27, 2024, at New Delhi’s DLTA Stadium, boasting a substantial prize fund of $50,000 and attracting elite players from across Asia and around the world.
Harsh Mehta’s Love for Pickleball
In an interview, Mehta shared insights into his passion for pickleball, stating, “I’ve been playing pickleball since 2019 and since then I’ve been in love with the sport and really excited to be a professional player now. I didn’t start off thinking I would be a professional athlete in pickleball, but it’s been a big and an interesting journey for me, and I think onwards and upwards from here.” His transition from national-level table tennis to the top ranks of pickleball reflects the sport’s hybrid nature. “Pickleball has come into existence as a mixture of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. My background in table tennis has helped me adapt quickly to the pickleball game,” Mehta explained. He highlights how essential skills like hand-eye coordination, patience, and quick reflexes have been instrumental in his success.
Developing the Unique ‘Block Punch’ Technique
Mehta’s “block punch” technique, which some players refer to when they call him “The Wall,” has become a hallmark of his gameplay. He attributes this technique to careful observation and strategic practice. “In pickleball, when I started off 4-5 years ago, I observed the games of world number ones and different styles of play. My mindset has always been clear: keep the game simple, consistent, and master one stroke that sets you apart from others,” he said. Reflecting on how he earned the nickname, he recalls a tournament in Bali where a commentator remarked, “Harsh is like the wall; the ball doesn’t know how to pass through him.” His natural table tennis backhand has seamlessly integrated into his pickleball game, further enhancing his performance.
Aspirations for the Future
Looking to the future, Mehta is ambitious, stating, “In the next five years, I see myself as world number one in the men’s doubles open category.” He aspires not only to achieve this rank but also to become the best right-side player in pickleball. He elaborates on the roles in doubles, emphasizing the evolution of the game, saying, “I would like to be called the number one right-side player in men’s doubles, and I’m confident I will achieve that.”
Observing Growth in Indian Pickleball
Mehta also discussed the rapid expansion of pickleball in India, particularly in metropolitan areas like Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bangalore. He has observed significant improvements in infrastructure, including the availability of courts and equipment. He noted, “Professional athletes from other racquet sports have started to transition into pickleball, further boosting its popularity.” Notable names from tennis, such as Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna, have shown interest in the sport, highlighting the crossover appeal of pickleball.
The growth of tournaments and leagues has also been remarkable. “From just one or two tournaments a year, we now have at least five to six,” he stated, emphasizing the excitement surrounding the sport’s burgeoning community. Mehta believes that the convenience and affordability of pickleball make it appealing to a broader audience. “The space required for pickleball is significantly less than for tennis courts,” he explained, indicating that this factor could lead to pickleball overtaking other racquet sports in India in the long run.
PWR’s Impact on Indian Pickleball
The Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), in partnership with the Times Group, has played a pivotal role in promoting the sport. Mehta shared his thoughts on the establishment of the PWR, stating, “PWR has announced the PWR tour and the PWR India league, which is a huge development in terms of prize money and tournament organization. It provides a platform for players from around the world to compete.” He believes that the PWR’s vision for the sport will motivate players to participate actively and enhance their skills.
Preparing for the PWR DUPR India Masters
As he gears up for the PWR DUPR India Masters, Mehta is focused on his training regimen. “Right now, I’ve been playing a lot of tournaments and traveling to different places. As soon as I return to India, I will practice and prepare thoroughly for the competition,” he said, expressing his desire to perform at his best and secure the MVP title.
Mehta is also excited about the competition the DUPR Indian Tour will bring, expecting fierce rivalries and high-quality matches. “Good competition leads to good games,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of well-maintained court surfaces and organization in making the event successful.
Paddle Preferences and Tips for Beginners
When it comes to equipment, Mehta currently plays with the Joola Ben Perseus 14mm paddle, which he finds well-balanced for his style of play. He explained, “It has a good mixture of control, power, and punch, making it ideal for my game.” For beginners looking to enter the sport, Mehta recommends a few options, including the Selkirk Invikta and various Joola models. He stresses that players should choose paddles based on their individual preferences and playing styles.
Favorite Shot and Conclusion
Mehta’s favorite shot is his backhand punch, a skill he attributes to his table tennis background. “It’s come naturally to me, and I hardly miss this stroke,” he said, highlighting its significance in his success as a men’s doubles player.
As pickleball continues to gain traction globally, Mehta stands at the forefront of this exciting sport in India. With the PWR DUPR India Masters on the horizon, he is poised to showcase his skills and ambition. The collaboration between The Times Group and Pickleball League Asia Private Limited to establish the PWR marks a significant step toward elevating the sport, aiming for sustainable development and enhanced player management. With the enthusiasm of players like Harsh Mehta leading the charge, the future of pickleball in India looks exceptionally bright.
News in Brief: Will Harsh Mehta Rule at PWR India Masters
Harsh Mehta, India’s leading pickleball player, discusses the sport’s rapid growth in metropolitan areas, attributing it to improved infrastructure and rising participation from athletes in other racquet sports. Known as “The Wall” for his distinctive “block punch” technique, Harsh aims to become world number one in men’s doubles. With the upcoming PWR DUPR India Masters in New Delhi, he seeks to secure the MVP title. Currently using the Joola Ben Perseus 14mm paddle, Harsh emphasizes the importance of court conditions for player performance and remains focused on elevating pickleball’s status in India.
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