The Khar Gymkhana Pickleball League is returning for its fifth edition, taking place in Mumbai from December 20 to 23. This event highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in India, attracting players of all ages and backgrounds. The league will feature some of the biggest names in Indian pickleball, making it one of the country’s premier sporting events.
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Star Players and Tournament Details
One of the standout players in this year’s league is Armaan Bhatia, nicknamed the ‘Golden Boy’ of Indian pickleball. He is currently the No. 1 player across Asia and Australia and has gained recognition as a Triple Crown winner at the PWR India Masters in Delhi. Armaan has also excelled in international competitions, earning the title of top player at PPA Australia.
Joining Armaan in the competition will be defensive specialist Harsh Mehta, known as ‘The Wall.’ Harsh is a doubles expert, holding the title of No. 1 doubles player across Asia and Australia. He also received the MVP award at MLP Australia. Another key player to watch is Aditya Ruhela, a rising star in singles. Aditya recently won the Singles event at PPA Vietnam and secured a Gold medal in the Open Singles category at the 2023 Nationals, along with a Silver in Open Doubles.
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The league invited registrations until October 20. An auction held on November 26 allowed teams to sign players. The participating teams this year include Globe Guidance, Nagpal Warriors, Ergo You Super Dinkers, Pickleball United, Super Smashers, Ekta Parivaar, SKC Sosar Titans, Dinkers PC, Royal Raiders, Chhabria Uprisers, and Pickleball Socials.
The Growth of Pickleball in India
The stage is set for one of India’s biggest pickleball showdowns. The sport has exploded in popularity across the country. Reports indicate that India now has over 1,000 pickleball courts, with Mumbai and Ahmedabad emerging as key hubs for the sport. Events like the Khar Gymkhana Pickleball League play a significant role in promoting pickleball, further contributing to its growth.
According to pickleball expert Ravi Sharma,
“The increasing number of tournaments and players shows how pickleball is becoming a part of India’s sports culture. It is great to see so many players getting involved.”(Ravi Sharma)
This league not only showcases talent but also encourages new players to join the sport.
The Khar Gymkhana Pickleball League represents an important step in the evolution of pickleball in India. With star players competing and significant media coverage, the tournament is poised to attract even more fans. As the sport continues to grow, it will likely inspire future generations of players and impact Indian sports culture.
News in Brief: Khar Gymkhana Pickleball League
The Khar Gymkhana Pickleball League returns to Mumbai from December 20 to 23, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in India. Star players include Armaan Bhatia, Asia’s No. 1 player, and defensive specialist Harsh Mehta. The league features ten teams, including Globe Guidance and Pickleball United. With over 1,000 courts nationwide, the league highlights pickleball’s rise in India’s sports culture, promoting talent and encouraging new players to join the game.
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