Armaan Bhatia Shocks U.S. Pickleball: Armaan Bhatia, India’s top pickleball player, won his first gold medal on the APP Tour by defeating Alex Crum at the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open last week. Bhatia’s 15-10, 27-25 victory surprised many, especially since Crum had recently signed with the United Pickleball Association (UPA), which runs the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball (MLP). Bhatia, 26, is now in talks to join these top American leagues.
Rising Star from India Makes History in U.S.
After spending two months playing in the United States, Bhatia returned to Mumbai with strong results. Earlier, he made history by winning a silver medal at the 2025 APP Vlasic Classic Cincinnati, becoming the first Indian to do so. He lost the final to Grayson Goldin, a new PPA Tour player. Bhatia also earned a bronze medal in men’s doubles at the U.S. Open Pickleball Championships with partner Harsh Mehta.
Now ranked No. 13 on the APP Tour and India’s No. 1, Bhatia is focused on joining the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. These leagues offer better competition and financial benefits.
“I have been in conversation with the PPA and the UPA for a bit and then we have not spoken a lot in the recent few weeks. But if we I am keen to play.” – (Bhatia told The Dink Pickleball)
Since he is not yet signed, Bhatia is currently not eligible to play on the PPA Tour.
“My team and I are reviewing all possibilities to see what is going to be the best for me through this year. But if that does not happen this year, I am happy doing the APP and the international stuff for this year and then we can see what next year holds for me.” – (Bhatia)
Tough Match Against Alex Crum
Bhatia described his close final match against Alex Crum, who had defeated top players before. After a clear 15-10 win in the first game, the second game was intense.
“I think the lucky part for me was Crum did not win three points in a row throughout the match. But he was always coming back to even out the score. I ended up getting a lead at 14-12, but there was a freeze at 14. I hit a few good balls. I thought I kept the last ball low, but he hit a bit off it. And that was when actually started getting entertaining and fun.” – (Bhatia)
Crum fought back to keep the game alive.
“At 21-20 Crum missed a serve and that is when I thought okay this guy is going to cave in now. But he hits the next return right on the line. Played absolutely bang in the middle. Right on the line. And I am like, ‘Well, that is good redemption…fearless.’ He actually played really well.” – (Bhatia)
Learning and Preparing for the Future
Bhatia stayed calm under pressure, learning from his loss to Grayson Goldin in Cincinnati where he also faced a tough second game. In New York, he secured the win with a 27-25 final score.
“I won the first, I was up in the second, and then we engaged in a dogfight.” – (Bhatia)
Now back home in Mumbai, Bhatia plans to rest and get ready for his next tournament, the APP Newport Beach Open, from July 2 to 6.
“I am probably going to the States around the 23rd or the 24th of June and I will stay through and play that one and then go back home again because then there is nothing much.” – (Bhatia)
Bhatia hopes to sign with the UPA soon, aiming to compete at the highest levels of pickleball.
News in Brief: Armaan Bhatia Shocks U.S. Pickleball
Armaan Bhatia won gold at the 2025 Zimmer Biomet APP New York City Open by beating Alex Crum. He is India’s top-ranked player and is in talks with UPA to join the PPA Tour and Major League Pickleball. Bhatia aims to compete at the highest levels after strong performances in U.S. tournaments.
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