Rahul Belwal Conquers IPA Pickleball Nationals: Rahul Belwal won in the 35+ men’s singles category at the IPA Pickleball Nationals, defeating Santosh Bhagat in a thrilling final. Belwal’s victory marked a significant milestone in his growing pickleball career, showcasing his skills and resilience.
A Thrilling Final
The match between Belwal and Bhagat went down to the wire, with Belwal clinching the victory after being 4 match points down. “I was 4 match points down, so just point by point, I made it through. Really happy to win the tournament,” Belwal said after the match.
I think right now is the wind (on biggest challenge), that’s one thing you have to combat to actually play your best pickleball. It becomes sometimes up and down, sometimes you do something, it happens something. So that’s one thing I think you need to combat better to win. The courts are pretty good, so that’s another thing.” – (Rahul Belwal)
The biggest challenge for Belwal during the final was the wind, which impacted the flow of the game. “The wind was the biggest factor, making the play unpredictable at times. You have to really focus to play your best pickleball,” he added.
Smooth Transition from Tennis to Pickleball
Rahul, a former tennis player, spoke about how his experience with tennis made the transition to pickleball easier.
“I think for me it has been really smooth because my hands are pretty decent. I do a lot of volleys when I play tennis too. And I have played a lot of mini-tennis in my junior days as well. So it’s like an easy transition for me too.” – (Rahul Belwal)
This background in tennis helped him adapt quickly and excel in pickleball, a sport that requires fast reflexes and precision.
“It’s just like being in a research field. So just to be here, it’s a dream. Just to have the students around, young people around, you feel the energy. So definitely, definitely, one place you want to come.” – (Rahul Belwal)
Training the Next Generation
In addition to his achievements, Rahul is also making an impact as a pickleball coach. He currently trains two young athletes, Arav and Ananth, from Delhi.
“Right now, I am actually coaching two young athletes, Aariv and Anath, both from Delhi. They are doing pretty well, so I am looking forward to that part also.” – (Rahul Belwal)
“They are doing pretty well, so I am looking forward to that part of my journey as well,” he shared. Arav recently won a medal in the junior category, showcasing the effectiveness of Rahul’s coaching technique.
Looking Ahead: More Tournaments and Titles
Rahul’s success in the 2025 IPA Pickleball Nationals is just the beginning. He recently won a doubles title in Vietnam and is now preparing for the Global Sports 1 tournament, where he has been drafted into the Challenger League.
“I just won a doubles title in Vietnam too, so it will become my third PWR title. I am going for the Global Sports 1, so I have been drafted in the Challenger League. That is one tournament I am looking forward to. And then maybe we will see another PWR 700 tournament.” – (Rahul Belwal)
News in Brief: Rahul Belwal Conquers IPA Pickleball Nationals
Rahul Belwal won the 35+ men’s singles at the IPA Pickleball Nationals, overcoming Santosh Bhagat in a thrilling final. A former tennis player, Belwal has made a smooth transition to pickleball. He also coaches young athletes and looks forward to more PWR tournaments, including the upcoming Global Sports 1.
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