The first BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2025 took place from January 5 to 7 at the BPS Sports Club in Margao, marking a significant event for Goa’s sporting landscape. The tournament, organized by the Goa Pickleball Association and the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), attracted 123 participants across various age groups and categories.
Nihaal Borkar emerged as a standout performer, achieving a remarkable treble by winning the men’s 35+ singles, 35+ men’s doubles, and 35+ mixed doubles categories. In the 35+ men’s singles, he defeated Noel Noronha with a convincing score of 11-6, 11-5. Partnering with Akhil Lawande, he also won the 35+ men’s doubles against Chinmay Kantak and Ehrlick De Ataide with scores of 11-6, 11-6. Nihaal’s winning streak continued in the 35+ mixed doubles, where he and Ruta Borker overcame Ehrlick De Ataide and Natasha Viegas De Ataide with a close score of 10-12, 11-7, 11-9.
Notable Performances from Others
Nishad Shevde also made a significant impact, winning the open mixed doubles alongside Sweta Kantak with a thrilling score of 11-5, 10-12, 11-2 against Cleon Barreto and Janice Dias. Additionally, Nishad and Ehrlick De Ataide secured the men’s open doubles title, defeating their opponents 11-8, 11-3.
Simran Bundela, a tennis ace from Goa, dominated the open ladies’ singles category, winning the title based on cumulative points. She scored 33 points against her opponents, outperforming Tvisha Sardesai, Solania, and Sumangali.
The championship featured 10 categories, including open ladies’ singles, open ladies’ doubles, open men’s singles, open men’s doubles, and various age-specific categories. The winners of all categories shared a total prize purse of approximately Rs. 1 lakh. Other notable wins included Clarence Noronha and Noel Noronha in the men’s 50+ doubles and Audrey Menezes and Melanie Chowgule in the open ladies’ doubles.
Inauguration and Significance
The event was inaugurated by Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, Executive Director of the Sports Authority of Goa, along with key officials from the BPS Sports Club and the Goa Pickleball Association. This tournament marks a significant milestone in Goa’s sports circuit, highlighting the growing popularity of pickleball in the state.
The BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2025 has set a strong foundation for future pickleball events in Goa, fostering interest in the sport among local communities. As pickleball continues to gain traction, events like this are expected to further enhance its presence in the region.
News in Brief: BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2025
The BPS Open Pickleball Championship 2025, held from January 5 to 7 in Margao, Goa, attracted 123 participants. Nihaal Borkar excelled, winning the men’s 35+ singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories. Simran Bundela claimed the open ladies’ singles title. The tournament, inaugurated by Dr. Geeta Nagvenkar, showcased pickleball’s rising popularity in Goa, setting a foundation for future events.
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