Armaan Bhatia’s Quest for Global Pickleball Dominance: Pickleball is hitting a major growth spurt worldwide, and India is riding that wave like it’s a hot new trend. With players from tennis, table tennis, and badminton making the switch, it’s clear that the future looks bright for this rapidly growing sport. Enter Armaan Bhatia, the No. 1 doubles player in India, who is making waves as Asia’s best. After casually picking up the paddle in 2020, he’s gone all in, turning pro just last September. Here’s the scoop on Bhatia, his transition from tennis, and his aspirations for pickleball supremacy.
The Tennis-to-Pickleball Pipeline
“I stopped playing tennis around 2020,” Bhatia reminisces. He started hitting the pickleball court just for fun, whenever the rain sent him indoors. But when the pandemic hit, something changed. “I began playing more seriously with friends and eventually transitioned to pickleball full-time last year.”
The excitement is palpable in his voice. Bhatia’s tennis background has paved the way for some impressive skills, including his signature backhand punch volley. “A lot of it came naturally from tennis,” he explains. “It’s just been about refining those techniques.”
The Allure of Pickleball
What’s got everyone buzzing about pickleball? According to Bhatia, it’s the accessibility. “You can pick it up in a few sessions,” he says. Unlike tennis, where hours of practice are a must before you can rally with anyone, pickleball is all about quick gratification. “In tennis, you can’t just show up and play a decent match in an hour.”
The social aspect of pickleball doesn’t hurt either. Players can jump in and enjoy a game without a long training period. For Bhatia, the thrill is in the community that comes together on the court, making it a fun and engaging sport.
A Bright Future Ahead
Bhatia’s ambitions are sky-high. After dominating the national scene, he’s set his sights on becoming a top-five player globally. “I want to compete more in the U.S.,” he shares, noting a recent top-five finish at the U.S. Open. “It’s all about gaining experience and exposure.”
With upcoming tournaments like the PWR DUPR India Masters in New Delhi, Bhatia is ready to show the world what he’s made of. “I’m super excited to play at DLTA again,” he says, reminiscing about both the victories and heartaches he’s faced there. “Fingers crossed for a great performance!”
Pickleball’s Potential in India
As a certified coach in both pickleball and tennis, Bhatia recognizes the growth potential of pickleball in India. “Pickleball courts require less space than tennis, which is crucial in crowded cities,” he explains. “It’s easier to set up multiple courts, making the sport more accessible.”
Bhatia believes that pickleball could even outpace other racquet sports in India. “I’ve seen so many players transitioning to pickleball,” he says. “It’s fun, social, and you can lose track of time while playing. That kind of joy is hard to beat.”
The Rise of the Pickleball World Rankings
With the recent launch of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), Bhatia is optimistic about the sport’s future. “I just participated in a PWR event in Hong Kong, and it was beautifully organized,” he recalls. “I’m excited to see how many events are lined up next year.”
As the PWR works alongside The Times Group to promote pickleball, Bhatia is ready to embrace this new chapter. He’s set to showcase his skills at the upcoming DUPR Indian Tour, and if his trajectory continues, he may just find himself among the global elite.
News in Brief : Armaan Bhatia’s Quest for Global Pickleball Dominance
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with Armaan Bhatia leading the charge as the No. 1 doubles player in the country and Asia’s best. Transitioning from tennis, Bhatia began playing pickleball casually in 2020 and turned professional last September. He highlights the sport’s accessibility and social appeal, making it easier for newcomers to join. Bhatia aims to break into the top five globally and has plans to compete in upcoming tournaments, including the PWR DUPR India Masters in New Delhi. As a certified coach, he believes pickleball has significant growth potential in India, especially in crowded urban areas.
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