PWR DUPR India Masters Fuels Global Aspirations: The PWR DUPR India Masters has thrown a spotlight on India’s budding pickleball talents, giving these young athletes the stage to showcase their skills against international stars. Held at New Delhi’s DLTA Stadium from October 24-27, this PWR 700 event was more than just a tournament—it was an electrifying showcase for the sport’s rapidly growing popularity in India. A mix of international and home-grown stars battled it out, with promising young players like Punji Rawal and Zahaan Udai Singh stepping up to the challenge and making headlines.
Pickleball’s Rise in India
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, is catching on quickly in India, drawing players from various racquet sports. The PWR DUPR India Masters offered these athletes valuable exposure, setting a new bar for the sport’s visibility. For Indian players like Punji Rawal, the chance to compete on this stage meant more than medals; it was an entryway to a global dream.
Punji Rawal: From Tennis Rookie to Pickleball Champ
For 20-year-old Punji Rawal, who only began playing pickleball in July, the journey has been nothing short of meteoric. The Gujarat native clinched gold in the Intermediate Women’s Singles category and took home silver in the Intermediate Women’s Doubles with partner Punarva Shah. Reflecting on the experience, Rawal, who transitioned from lawn tennis to pickleball, was struck by the international competition at the DLTA Stadium.
“The experience was amazing. I felt this kind of experience for the first time,” she shared. Having previously competed in tennis at the same venue, Rawal was thrilled with the energy and skill level of her opponents. Her biggest accomplishment? Beating former junior Fed Cup star Amrita Mukherjee, once ranked No. 2 in junior tennis and a seasoned WTA player.
“Winning against Amrita Mukherjee was one of my big achievements. Her gameplay was very good,” Rawal remarked, emphasizing her determination to come out on top. A huge fan of Armaan Bhatia, the event’s standout player, Rawal was thrilled to simply share a handshake with him. “I had a handshake, and I was happy with that,” she laughed. “He’s a legend, no doubt about it.”
Zahaan Udai Singh: A Teen with Big Dreams
At just 14, Zahaan Udai Singh held his own against competitors nearly twice his age. The Delhi native, who took up pickleball in 2021, has already made a mark, finishing with a bronze in the Intermediate Singles and winning the DUPR 16 Team event. Singh, who also enjoys cricket, was drawn to pickleball by the rhythmic sound of the paddle meeting the ball—a sound that hooked him from day one.
“This tournament was one of the best I’ve been to. They put in so much effort, and the center court was spectacular,” he reflected. Singh, who studies at Millfield School in the UK, fought hard through the rounds, making it to the semifinals before falling to eventual champion Diwakar Agarwal. His coach, Aditya Ruhela, has been a guiding force, helping him navigate the pickleball landscape.
“When I started, my coach was Aditya Ruhela. He’s always supported me,” said Singh. After the main event, Singh got a chance to chat with Armaan Bhatia, a meeting he hopes will someday lead to a head-to-head match. “After the ceremony, we talked face-to-face. We’re hoping to play each other soon.”
Looking Ahead: A Global Vision for Indian Pickleball
Both Rawal and Singh have their eyes set on international success. Rawal, inspired by the electric atmosphere of the PWR DUPR India Masters, is considering making pickleball her primary focus, aiming to compete at the highest levels. “I’m planning to shift to pickleball after seeing the players and the energy. I just feel like I should practice more, and I’ll get what I’m aiming for,” she shared confidently.
Singh, meanwhile, has plans to turn pro after completing his studies in the UK. Once his family relocates back to India, he aims to dedicate himself fully to the sport. “As soon as they move back to India, I would want to move back as well. I would pursue pickleball properly then and play at the highest level,” he said, a teenager with big dreams on the horizon.
News in Brief: PWR DUPR India Masters Fuels Global Aspirations
The PWR DUPR India Masters was a significant event for Indian pickleball, held at DLTA Stadium in New Delhi from October 24-27. This pickleball tournament gave young athletes like Punji Rawal and Zahaan Udai Singh a platform to compete alongside international players. Rawal won gold in Intermediate Women’s Singles and silver in Women’s Doubles, while Singh secured bronze in Intermediate Singles and a team event victory. Both athletes are now eyeing professional pickleball careers, inspired by their experiences at the tournament.
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