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HomeIndia Pickleball NewsHow Bennett University is Leading the Pickleball Charge for a New Era

How Bennett University is Leading the Pickleball Charge for a New Era

 Bennett University is Leading the Pickleball Charge: As the sun began to set over the Greater Noida campus, the buzz of excitement was visible. Students at Bennett University gathered not just for an exhibition match but to explore a sport that has quickly captured their interest: pickleball. Bennett University pickleball team captain Akshit Dhanani, vice-captain Param Agarwal, and fellow player Ishaan Sharma, all B.Tech Computer Science Engineering students in their third year, shared their journey into this rapidly growing sport before their game against pickleball stars Armaan Bhatia and Dusty Boyer.

An Exhibition Match with Stars

On Monday, the Bennett University campus played host to the PWR DUPR India Masters triple-crown winner Armaan Bhatia and PRO Open men’s singles runner-up Dusty Boyer. The pair not only showcased their skills but also provided a unique opportunity for university students to play alongside them. For Akshit Dhanani, Param Agarwal, and Ishaan Sharma, this was more than just a game; it was a chance to engage with the best in the sport and to reflect on their own experiences with pickleball.

Bennett University pickleball team

Transitioning to Pickleball

When asked about their journey into pickleball, both Akshit Dhanani and Param Agarwal revealed that their transition from squash was seamless. Ishaan Sharma, on the other hand, made the leap from lawn tennis. “It has been a year since I started playing pickleball after making a move from squash,” Param Agarwal explained. “The community around pickleball in the university is great, and I believe it is one of the fastest-growing sports in India. It overjoys me to see such rapid growth in the sport.”

“I remember the first time I picked up a squash racquet,” Param Agarwal continued, a smile spreading across his face. “I couldn’t even serve properly. But then I saw my friends play pickleball, and it reminded me of table tennis, especially the swing of the racquet. When I picked up the paddle, it felt light and easy; the sport came very naturally to me. I think the adaptability of the sport was very attractive to me.”

Inspiration from Peers

Akshit Dhanani also shared his transition story, revealing that he was introduced to pickleball by seniors who had successfully moved from cricket to this emerging sport. “Much like Param Agarwal, I also moved to the sport from squash and have been really enjoying it over the past year,” Akshit Dhanani stated. “My seniors were cricketers who switched to pickleball. Their success in this transition inspired me. Now, I am willing to continue in the sport as long as possible.”

Balancing Academics and Athletics

At a critical juncture in their academic careers, Akshit Dhanani, Param Agarwal, and Ishaan Sharma acknowledged the importance of their studies while recognizing how pickleball has positively influenced their focus. With sports now integrated into the university curriculum, Ishaan Sharma expressed his support for the initiative. “I believe sports should be part of the curriculum,” he remarked. “While studying, we use our minds, but when we play a sport, it helps relax the mind. It can help us focus more on our studies.”

As the sun dipped below the horizon, the students’ enthusiasm for pickleball was evident. The sport has not only provided a means of escape from their academic pressures but has also fostered a vibrant community at Bennett University, showcasing just how far pickleball has come in India.

News in Brief : Bennett University is Leading the Pickleball Charge

Bennett University students are embracing pickleball, drawn by its rapid growth and vibrant community. Team captain Akshit Dhanani, vice-captain Param Agarwal, and Ishaan Sharma shared their transition from squash and lawn tennis to this popular sport during an exhibition match against stars Armaan Bhatia and Dusty Boyer. They emphasized how pickleball helps them balance academic pressures and enhance focus, supporting the university’s decision to integrate sports into the curriculum.

ALSO READ: Armaan Bhatia on PWR DUPR India Masters Triumph and Expanding Pickleball’s Reach in India 

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