Indian Pickleball Players Shine Bright: India has taken center stage in pickleball for the first time, as the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series kicked off at Mumbai’s Cricket Club of India (CCI) on November 12. With over 55 international players from 16 countries, this week-long event until November 17 is a testament to pickleball’s rising global appeal. Notably, it’s also a big moment for India’s pickleball community, with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) backing the event in partnership with the World Pickleball League (WPBL).
The tournament’s opening days proved that India is no rookie in this fast-growing sport. From intense junior matches to nail-biting veteran competitions, Indian players have risen to the occasion, capturing top honors and cementing their place in the global pickleball landscape.
The Rising Stars of Indian Pickleball
It didn’t take long for India’s young talent to make their presence known. In the Boys’ Under-14 Advanced Plus division, Neel Linge snagged the gold, while Aarisha Aga Choubey came in close with a silver medal.
As if that wasn’t enough to get the crowd buzzing, Ritam Chawla swept his way to the gold in the Boys’ Under-18 Advanced Plus division, with Shourya Kukrecha securing silver. It’s safe to say the future of Indian pickleball is looking bright and loaded with talent.
The girls’ divisions didn’t disappoint either, as they added even more hardware to India’s medal tally. Anushka Chhabra grabbed gold in the Under-14 Advanced Plus group, with Jahnavi Iyer winning silver.
Meanwhile, Agnimitra Bhavatosh Bhattacharya and Naomi Amalsadiwala showed some serious grit in the Under-18 division, taking home gold and silver, respectively. For these young stars, competing—and winning—on the world stage is just the beginning.
Veteran Competitions and the Road Ahead
While the juniors are grabbing headlines, India’s seasoned players also put on a show. Rohit Patil clinched gold in the 19+ Advanced category, while Manickavasagam Sethu and Aditya Doshi claimed the top spots in the Men’s Singles Advanced Plus 35+ division.
In the 50+ Men’s Advanced category, Gordon Watson secured gold, proving that age is no barrier to winning in this sport. Meanwhile, the Women’s Singles categories saw Kavya J, Pakhi Bhatt, Shraddha Damani, and Sindoor Mittal all coming away with medals in their respective divisions.
The doubles matches also delivered plenty of action, especially in the Junior Mixed Doubles Under-14 Advanced Plus category, where Aaradhya Satpute and Neel Linge teamed up to secure gold.
In the Mixed Doubles 35+ Advanced category, Debbie Dcruz and Samrat Kapur emerged victorious, adding more flair to India’s medal count. And with the highly anticipated finals fast approaching, the stakes—and excitement—are only getting higher.
World Pickleball Championship Series Brings India to the Global Stage
The World Pickleball Championship Series has already established itself as a pivotal event for Indian pickleball. With broadcast partners Amuzi Sports and Doordarshan, fans across the nation can follow the action live, especially the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals from November 15 to 17.
Both Jan Papi, founder of the WPC Series, and AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo echoed the significance of this event for India and the global reach of the sport.
“This event is a significant moment for Indian pickleball. Partnering with iconic organizations for the WPC Series is a step forward for the sport, cementing India’s position on the international stage. We are committed to making this a memorable experience for players and fans alike.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
News in Brief: Indian Pickleball Players Shine Bright
The World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series, hosted in Mumbai, marks India’s debut on pickleball’s global stage, drawing over 55 players from 16 countries. Indian athletes excelled, winning medals across junior and veteran categories. With live broadcasts by Amuzi Sports and Doordarshan, fans nationwide can enjoy this historic event.