Jay DeVilliers’s Monsoon Pickleball Championship: The Monsoon Pickleball Championship 2.0, held from August 20 to August 25, 2024, in Mumbai, has solidified its place as one of Asia’s premier pickleball tournaments. This year’s event saw former PPA World No. 2 Jay DeVilliers headlining a roster that included other international stars such as Quang Duong, Thaddea Lock, Megan Fudge, and Ryler DeHeart. The $100,000 championship attracted over 800 participants across 47 categories, showing the sport’s rapidly growing popularity in India.
Pickleball in India
In a demonstration of pickleball’s skyrocketing popularity in India, the Monsoon Pickleball Championship 2.0 unfolded as a spectacle of skill and excitement. Held from August 20 to 25, 2024, in Mumbai, this tournament has firmly established itself as one of Asia’s remarkable pickleball events. With a prize pool of $100,000, the championship showed the sport’s growing appeal and highlighted the robust efforts of Global Sports in elevating pickleball in the region.
Star Power and International Flair
Headlining the event was former PPA World No. 2 Jay DeVilliers, known for his electrifying play and charismatic presence on the court. The “Flying Frenchman” lived up to his reputation, drawing significant attention and adding a high-profile edge to the tournament.
DeVilliers was joined by a roster of international stars including Quang Duong, Thaddea Lock, Megan Fudge, and Ryler DeHeart, each contributing to the championship’s star-studded lineup. The competition was fierce, with over 800 participants competing across 47 categories, further showing the event’s status as a pinnacle in the pickleball calendar.
A Vision Realized
Global Sports, the driving force behind the Monsoon Pickleball Championship, continues to make strides in promoting the sport. Tournament Director Niraj Jain expressed immense satisfaction with the event’s success, attributing the rise in pickleball’s popularity—up 159% over the past five years—to their relentless efforts.
“We are extremely happy with the success of the second edition of the Monsoon Pickleball Championship. Global Sports’ main aim is the absolute commitment towards growing the sport of pickleball in India and this edition has only proved that we are staying true to our vision.” – (Niraj Jain)
Jain emphasized the organization’s commitment to nurturing young talent and fostering pathways into professional pickleball. “Our goal is to grow the sport and create opportunities for emerging players,” Jain remarked, showing Global Sports’ role as a pioneer in the Indian pickleball landscape.
“As pioneers in the country, Global Sports takes this responsibility very seriously and are constantly facilitating pathways for younger talent and giving them a road map into playing professional pickleball.” – (Niraj Jain)