India Faces Heartbreak at Pickleball World Cup: The 2024 Pickleball World Cup in Lima, Peru, served as a bittersweet chapter for the Indian team, as they faced a group stage exit after battling through a challenging tournament from October 26 to 27, 2024. Despite showing promise and resilience, India could not secure a spot in the knockout rounds, falling short against the eventual champions, Puerto Rico.
Close Call Against Puerto Rico
In their final group stage match, India found themselves neck-and-neck with Puerto Rico, ultimately finishing the contest in a thrilling 2-2 draw. However, the ensuing tiebreaker proved to be a nail-biter. Despite their best efforts, India succumbed to the pressure, losing 8-15, which marked the end of their World Cup journey.
Ties and Triumphs: A Rollercoaster Journey
Earlier in the tournament, India faced Colombia, where they again found themselves in a 2-2 deadlock. However, a heartbreaking loss in the tiebreaker (14-16) left them with a bitter taste, as they struggled to capitalize on their momentum.
Amidst the tension, India did manage to secure a significant victory against the Dominican Republic, dominating the match with a commanding 4-0 scoreline. After the initial singles matches, the mixed doubles match became pivotal. Anshi Sheth and Suraj Anilkumar faced Luis Reyes and Natalia, but the Indian duo fell short, losing 12-15.
The Decisive Match: Himansh Mehta and Rakshikha Ravi Shine
With the tie at 1-1, the pressure mounted for India as Himansh Mehta and Rakshikha Ravi took to the court against Melissa Roth and Plinio Alfaro Maldonado. In a display of skill and determination, the Himansh Mehta and Rakshikha Ravi duo dominated the game, winning decisively with a score of 15-9, leveling the match at 2-2 and setting the stage for another intense tiebreaker.
Despite their valiant efforts, the pressure proved too much once again, and India exited the tournament after a valiant fight, falling 8-15 in the tiebreaker.
News in Brief : India Faces Heartbreak at Pickleball World Cup
India faced a disappointing exit in the 2024 Pickleball World Cup, held in Lima, Peru, from October 26 to 27. The team finished their group stage with a draw against Puerto Rico, losing in the tiebreaker 8-15. Earlier, India also drew with Colombia but lost the tiebreaker 14-16. A highlight was their 4-0 victory over the Dominican Republic, where Himansh Mehta and Rakshikha Ravi shone in the decisive mixed doubles match. Despite their efforts, India was unable to advance past the group stage.
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