Farid Alam, a Kolkata-based Customs and GST inspector, is competing in the 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals. Though his day job is in the government sector, Alam has found a new passion for pickleball. He is representing West Bengal in the highly anticipated event, with many former tennis players like him switching over to the sport.
Farid Alam’s Pickleball Journey
Alam, competing in the 35+ men’s singles category, had a tough start, losing his first match to Sharvil Tankshali by a narrow 11-10 scoreline. However, he came back stronger to defeat Rajat Bhargava 11-2 in his second match.
Alam’s journey into pickleball started after a successful career as a professional tennis player. “I used to play tennis and then started coaching. One day I heard about pickleball, gave it a try with friends, and just got addicted,” Alam said.
Growing Popularity of Pickleball in Kolkata
Alam’s story is reflective of the growing interest in pickleball across Kolkata, a city traditionally dominated by cricket and football. “It’s unbelievable how fast this sport is growing,” Alam shared. “In just three months, we now have over 80-90 pickleball courts around the city, and every court is packed. You cannot find a booking.”
Pickleball is quickly becoming a family sport in Kolkata, with parents, grandparents, and kids all coming together to enjoy the game. Alam believes this shift is creating a new sporting culture in the city.
Impressed by Bennett University’s Pickleball Facilities
Alam was also impressed with the expansive pickleball facilities at Bennett University, where the event is being held. “This is awesome. 14-15 world-class courts in one place—it’s amazing,” Alam said.
He compared it to the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium in Delhi, acknowledging the rapid development of pickleball facilities across North India.
A Message for the ‘Bengal Boys’
As one of the few representatives from West Bengal at the event, Alam had a message for fellow players from his region. “It’s time for the Bengal boys to buckle up and compete at a better level with these fantastic players,” Alam said, encouraging more players from the state to step up and embrace the sport’s growth.
Significance of Alam’s Story
Farid Alam’s journey highlights the exciting rise of pickleball as a sport in Kolkata and West Bengal. With the rapid growth of pickleball courts and more players getting involved, Alam’s message to aspiring picklers is clear: the time to invest in pickleball is now. He’s not just hoping to shine in the IPA Nationals, but also to inspire more people from his state to compete at a higher level.
News in Brief: 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals
Farid Alam, a Kolkata-based Customs inspector, is competing in the 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals. After losing his first match, Alam bounced back with a victory. He praised the growth of pickleball in Kolkata and encouraged more players from West Bengal to step up. Alam also praised Bennett University’s pickleball facilities.
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