Isha Lakhani Claims Pickleball Gold: Changing to a new sport at 37 is a challenge, but Securing a World Championship medal at 39? That’s a monumental achievement. Isha Lakhani, a former tennis standout from India, achieved this remarkable feat by winning a gold medal in the 35+ Women’s Doubles at the Bali Leg of the World Pickleball Championship earlier this month.
Historic Triumph for India
Competing alongside Vrushali, Lakhani’s journey to gold not only showed her individual skills but also marked a successful outing for the Indian backup. Adding to the achievement, Vanshik Kapadia brought home gold in the men’s singles category.
The success of the team was further shown as Vrushali and Vanshik secured silver in the mixed doubles. In the fiercely contested Team Event, India emerged victorious, capturing gold in a format that featured events in men’s doubles, mixed doubles, and women’s doubles.
The sport is growing in a very big way and we are getting to travel a lot, so we are getting a lot of exposure again, thanks to All India Pickleball Association, who’s been our association and really taking us out and, you know, helping us in all ways.”- (Isha Lakhani)
The Shift to Pickleball
But what inspired Lakhani to shift to pickleball nearly a decade after she concluded her tennis career? The answer lies in a friend’s encouragement, coupled with the convenience of having pickleball courts adjacent to her tennis club.
“So she was like, ‘Why don’t you try? Why don’t you just go and play? It looks to be a nice sport. You will like it, you’ll enjoy it. So I just listened to her and I went to play.’” -(Lakhani)
A Long Road Ahead
Now, at 39, Lakhani is focused on her future in pickleball.
“Honestly speaking, there is no age in this spot. It is really, really possible for me to play for another eight to nine years easily. To be honest, I feel I can do so because there are so many international players, like Megan Fudge, who is of my age and doing so well in the US circuit. There’s Susanna Burr (Another American player)She is 49 and she’s playing the PPA tour. So these are just two names that I gave you and, you know, they are really, really good.”
“So until and unless your body is supporting for sure, it’s doable for in any age category to play pickleball. Plus, this sport has so many age categories, like 35 open, 35 plus, I think 50 plus. So, talking about me playing professionally, yes, I feel another seven to eight years is doable.”-(Lakhani)
she stated confidently. She also pointed to Susanna Burr, a 49-year-old American player on the PPA tour, as evidence that durability in the sport is achievable.
The slower pace of pickleball compared to tennis was initially a draw for Lakhani, but she recognizes that mastering its unique rules presents its own challenges. Despite her current success, Lakhani remains motivated to inspire the next generation to embrace this rapidly growing sport.
Future Aspirations
With the backing of the All-India Pickleball Association (AIPA), Lakhani envisions a bright future for pickleball in India.
“So what you look forward to while playing pickleball is the exposure, the training, the program is something that we are looking for, all of us, you know, just being at it again and again.”-(Lakhani)
Having moved on from tennis a decade ago, Lakhani has advice for young players considering pickleball.
“But, you know, at the same time, it’s such an addictive sport that I would recommend that players don’t burn themselves because so many times you just tend to get on the court and you’re not able to come out of it for at least three or four hours. I would say that think through, train sensibly and yeah, take it as a career because it is a very upcoming sport.”-(Lakhani)
News in Brief: Isha Lakhani Claims Pickleball Gold
Former Indian tennis star Isha Lakhani made history by winning a gold medal in the 35+ Women’s Doubles at the World Pickleball Championship in Bali. Partnering with Vrushali, she led the Indian dependent, which also saw Vanshik Kapadia secure gold in men’s singles.
The team’s success continued with silver in mixed doubles and a gold in the Team Event. Lakhani, a seasoned athlete with a decade of international tennis experience, embraces pickleball’s growth and encourages aspiring pickleball players to train sensibly in this rapidly evolving sport.
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