Nazneen Rahman Empowers Assam Players: Nazneen Rahman, an international tennis player from Guwahati, is leading the charge to promote pickleball in Northeast India. Her efforts have resulted in significant progress, including the participation of 16 players from Assam at the 4th IPA National Pickleball Tournament in Greater Noida.
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Rahman’s Journey with Pickleball
Rahman, a homemaker and mother, competed in the 50-plus category at the tournament, reaching the semi-finals before being eliminated. She discovered pickleball by chance while attending a tennis tournament in Delhi in 2023.
Friends encouraged her to try it, igniting a passion that has made her a key figure in the region’s pickleball scene.
“It’s the fastest growing sport…and it’s also the second-best thing I would say. Anyone can pick up the paddle and start playing.” – (Rahman)
Recognizing the athletic potential in the Northeast, Rahman started conducting clinics in schools and clubs.
“In North East, we have lots of players who are athletically very agile. They have good athletic ability.” – (Rahman)
“A lot of people are wanting to join the program. And maybe it’s a good start.” – (Rahman)
Expanding Pickleball Beyond Assam
Rahman is also focused on expanding pickleball to other northeastern states. She has already met with the sports minister of Mizoram, who expressed interest in developing the sport.
Inquiries have also come from people in Nagaland, indicating a rising interest in pickleball across the region.
“I’m also working to develop the other north-eastern states. I’m in conversation with a lot of people, sports-related enthusiasts.” – (Rahman)
The Social Impact of Pickleball
Rahman believes that pickleball can drive social and economic change.
“Since it is an inclusive sport, we believe in inclusivity. And there is no bar on who can play without any sporting background. People without any sporting background have also joined pickleball. And they are doing so well at the national level.” – (Rahman)
She anticipates that as pickleball grows, it will generate revenue for the sports sector. Looking to the future, Rahman envisions a strong presence for pickleball in all northeastern states.
“My vision is to kind of start this thing full swing in all the North-eastern states. So we are working on it. 4th IPA Nationals is the first national tournament in which Assam has participated. This is definitely going to create an impact in the other states.” – (Rahman)
About Nazneen Rahman
Nazneen Rahman is an accomplished Indian tennis player, currently ranked world #9 in mixed doubles by the ITF.
She is the Indian No. 1 in mixed doubles and has captained the Indian Women’s Masters Team at the World Championships in Portugal (2022) and Turkey (2023).
She is also a fitness enthusiast and sports influencer, dedicated to promoting sports in her region.
News in Brief: Nazneen Rahman Empowers Assam Players
Nazneen Rahman, an international tennis player from Guwahati, is promoting pickleball in Northeast India, leading to 16 Assam players’ participation in the 4th IPA National Pickleball Tournament.
Conducting clinics to foster interest, she aims to expand the sport across the region. Rahman believes pickleball can drive social change and economic growth, emphasizing its inclusivity for participants without sporting backgrounds.
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