Pickleball World Cup Peru Recap: The second edition of the Pickleball World Cup made a grand return to Peru, captivating fans and athletes alike with its high-energy matches and international lineup. Held in Lima on October 26 and 27, the tournament saw a massive turnout, with over 500 players from 40 countries competing for the coveted title. Team Puerto Rico emerged as the champions of the tournament, while hometown favorite Bruno Semino was celebrated as the Most Valuable Player.
A Growing Global Affair
The buzz around the Pickleball World Cup began as early as March, when the tournament’s success in its inaugural edition sparked excitement for its return. Teams worldwide, including New Zealand, Bahamas, Ecuador, and Nicaragua, confirmed their participation by August, with DUPR stepping in to add official rankings to the tournament through their partnership with Pickleball World Rankings. In keeping with the spirit of the tournament, organizers introduced Lume, a colorful Cock of the Rock-inspired mascot symbolizing unity and passion.
Building the Perfect Court
Crafting a top-notch playing experience was central to the tournament’s success. The event’s official Instagram account shared glimpses of premium-grade flooring that Pickleball Court United, the official court sponsor, laid out on solid surfaces for optimal gameplay. Adding to this, Franklin Sports supplied the official balls, ensuring every match played in Lima met the highest standards.
India’s Journey at the World Cup
India’s debut in the Pickleball World Cup brought mixed results. Officially confirmed on September 5, the Indian Pickleball Association sent two teams to compete on the global stage. Placed in Group C with eventual champions Puerto Rico, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic, India exited early but not without memorable moments. In their final group-stage match against Puerto Rico, India ended in a 2-2 draw but lost the tiebreaker 8-15. Their earlier clash with Colombia was similarly close, with India falling just short in a 14-16 tiebreaker.
Despite their early exit, India found success in the senior categories, with Kiran Salian taking silver in the men’s 50-plus singles 4.0 category. Salian and teammate Nozer Amalsadiwala later claimed gold in the 50-plus men’s doubles 4.0 category, marking a notable achievement for the Indian contingent.
News in Brief: Pickleball World Cup Peru Recap
The Pickleball World Cup returned to Lima, Peru, on October 26-27, attracting over 500 players from 40 countries. Team Puerto Rico clinched the title, and local player Bruno Semino was named MVP. India participated in Group C, but despite a win over the Dominican Republic, they did not progress past the group stage. India’s senior players Kiran Salian and Nozer Amalsadiwala won medals, bringing pride to the Indian Pickleball Association.
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