Suraj Desai Shines with Silver: Suraj Desai, a skilled tennis player from the Income Tax Department in Ahmedabad, has made India proud by securing the Silver Medal alongside teammate Himansh Mehta at the 2024 Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru. This achievement is particularly noteworthy, as the tournament featured athletes from 36 different countries, underscoring the competitive nature of the event.
Adept Athlete with Departmental Ties
Desai joined the Income Tax Department through the Meritorious Sports Quota due to his achievements in tennis, and he has since earned numerous medals at both state and departmental levels.
However, this silver medal at the Pickleball World Cup represents his first major success on an international stage, marking a significant highlight in his athletic career.
Team India: Selected Talents Competing on Global Stage
Representing India in the “Open Category,” Desai was joined by his teammates from the New Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), including Dhiren Patel, Himansh Mehta, Rakshika Ravi, and Anshi Sheth.
For the “Seniors Category,” India’s participants included Nozer Smalsadiwala, Kiran Salian, Bela Kotwani, and Sujay Parekh. This impressive selection highlights the IPA’s dedication to fostering skilled athletes for international competitions.
Support from the Income Tax Department and IPA
The Principal Chief Commissioner of the Income Tax Department in Gujarat, Yeshwant Chavan, has been instrumental in promoting sports within the department.
His commitment, along with efforts from the Income Tax Sports & Recreation Club, has been essential to nurturing talents like Desai. Commissioner of Income Tax and Club President Durga Dutt expressed his appreciation, stating, “Thankful to the entire Pr CC office team for their dedication to sports development in Gujarat.”
Additionally, IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar praised Team India’s dedication and extended his support for their global representation.
The IPA’s partnership with Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) facilitated India’s participation in the Pickleball World Cup 2024, which runs from October 22 to October 27.
Recent selection trials held by the IPA in Ahmedabad, in collaboration with the Gujarat State Pickleball Association (GSPA), chose nine athletes who would go on to represent India in this international arena.
News in Brief: Suraj Desai Shines with Silver
Suraj Desai from the Income Tax Department, Ahmedabad, secured a Silver Medal with teammate Himansh Mehta at the 2024 Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru. Competing alongside 36 countries, Desai’s achievement marks his first major international success.
His involvement, along with teammates from the IPA, showcases India’s talent on a global stage. Principal Chief Commissioner Yeshwant Chavan and the Income Tax Sports & Recreation Club have supported sports development, while the IPA facilitated India’s participation with trials in Ahmedabad.
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