Vrushali Thakare and Vanshik Kapadia: Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, attracting a large fanbase in a short time. The sport, known for its low intensity, can be enjoyed by people of all ages, making it an appealing choice compared to physically demanding sports like cricket, tennis, and football. Events like the PWR DUPR India Masters have brought international talent to India, positioning the country on the global pickleball stage.
Indian Champions Vrushali Thakare and Vanshik Kapadia Excel
Vrushali Thakare and Vanshik Kapadia are two of India’s top pickleball talents. Recently, they won gold in the 19+ open mixed doubles category at the Hong Kong leg of the World Pickleball Championship.
This victory continues India’s success from the previous November, where the country secured 28 medals, including 11 golds, during the India leg of the tournament. The duo will also compete in the inaugural World Pickleball League, starting on January 24, 2025, where they will represent Bengaluru and Pune, respectively.
Pickleball’s Future in India Looks Bright
Vrushali expressed her excitement about the sport’s growth in India. She believes that pickleball could become the second or third most popular sport in the country within five years.
“Pickleball is growing rapidly in India, just as it has in the US. In many housing societies, tennis courts are being converted into pickleball courts. With such expansion, I believe pickleball can become the second or third most popular sport in India in the next five years. To aspiring players, I would say: play because you enjoy it. If you love the sport, it will give back to you in ways you can’t imagine. Whether it’s pickleball or any other sport, passion and joy will take you far.” – (Vrushali)
She also encouraged aspiring players to enjoy the game, emphasizing that passion will lead to success.
Vanshik Kapadia’s Olympic Dream
Vanshik shares a vision for pickleball’s future. He hopes to see the sport included in the 2032 Olympics, which he believes would be a significant milestone for players and the game itself.
“I hope it gets included, which would be a dream come true for the sport and its players.” – (Vanshik)
As pickleball continues to grow in India, the successes of players like Thakare and Kapadia are paving the way for future generations. The increasing accessibility of the sport and the enthusiasm of its athletes could further elevate its status in the coming years.
News in Brief: Vrushali Thakare and Vanshik Kapadia
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, appealing to all ages due to its low intensity. Indian champions Vrushali Thakare and Vanshik Kapadia recently won gold in the mixed doubles category at the World Pickleball Championship in Hong Kong, adding to India’s medal haul from the previous year.
Thakare envisions pickleball becoming the second or third most popular sport in India within five years, while Kapadia dreams of it being included in the 2032 Olympics. Their success highlights the sport’s bright future in India.
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