Jharkhand’s Rising Pickleball Star: Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma, a 22-year-old from Jharia, Jharkhand, will represent Chennai Super Champs in the inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL). His rise in pickleball comes as a refreshing change in the sport’s landscape in India, marking a significant milestone for the athlete and the game.
A Different Path to Success
While MS Dhoni’s cricket career is well-known, Sonu’s journey took a different turn. Growing up in Jharkhand, where cricket is a dominant sport, Sonu found his passion for pickleball while playing cricket six years ago. Unlike most of his peers, he pursued this fast-paced sport, which led him to a unique career.
Training and Achievements
Sonu’s journey took him to Mumbai, where he trained hard to develop his skills. His dedication paid off in November 2024 when he won the Men’s 19+ gold medal at the World Pickleball Championship in Mumbai. This victory, where he defeated Spain’s Mauro Garcia, earned him a place among India’s top five players.
Sonu’s strong performances were reflected in his impressive DUPR scores, 5.32 in singles and 4.871 in doubles, highlighting his potential on the international stage.
Chennai Super Champs and the World Pickleball League
Sonu now joins the Chennai Super Champs, a team owned by actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu, in the inaugural World Pickleball League. The tournament will feature six teams, with each team playing a round-robin format from January 24 to February 2, 2025. All matches will be held in Mumbai.
The event offers Sonu the platform to showcase his talent and increase the popularity of pickleball in India.
Growing Popularity of Pickleball
Pickleball is gaining momentum across the world. Its mix of badminton, tennis, and table tennis makes it accessible and exciting for players of all ages.
Sonu’s rise in the sport reflects the growing appeal of pickleball, especially in India, where young athletes are increasingly turning to it for both recreational and professional success.
News in Brief: Jharkhand’s Rising Pickleball Star
Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma, a rising star from Jharkhand, will represent Chennai Super Champs in the World Pickleball League. After excelling in pickleball, Sonu’s victory at the World Pickleball Championship solidified his status as one of India’s top players. The league will showcase his skills and elevate pickleball’s popularity in India.
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