Amrita Mukherjee Claims Victory: Amrita Mukherjee won in the 19+ Open Women Singles (Pro Open) category at the 4th IPA Nationals Pickleball, defeating Rakshika Ravi 11-9, 11-3 in the final held at Bennett University. The 5th seed Mukherjee outperformed the 3rd seed Ravi to claim the prestigious title on Saturday.
From the outset, Mukherjee showcased her skill on the court, maintaining a commanding lead throughout the match. With a DUPR rating of 3.801, she displayed exceptional gameplay, overcoming her opponent, who had a higher DUPR rating of 4.113. The victory marked a significant achievement for Mukherjee, representing West Bengal in the tournament.
A Comeback Story
Mukherjee expressed her satisfaction with her performance.
“I’m very happy with the level of play that I could produce in the match. Because the opponent, my opponent was very strong and I actually lost to her yesterday in the group stage.” – (Mukherjee)
Reflecting on her previous match, she emphasized her determination to make a comeback and her excitement about West Bengal’s debut at the IPA Nationals. When asked about her experience in the group stage against Ravi, Mukherjee noted,
“When you play against someone you kind of get familiar with their game and you Try to figure out what can work the next time you play against them and I think I was successful in implementing those changes and yeah, it was a great experience overall.” – (Mukherjee)
West Bengal’s Growing Pickleball Community
Mukherjee highlighted the participation of 14 players from West Bengal in the tournament, showcasing the region’s growing pickleball community.
“West Bengal already has a very thriving pickleball community and we also had a PWR 100 tournament a few months back. It’s a great experience for us and we can only grow from here and learn from the matches that we played and just kind of try to get better and better in the upcoming tournaments.” – (Mukherjee)
She also discussed Kolkata’s pickleball culture, mentioning, “Kolkata has around a hundred pickleball courts and an enthusiastic community of players.” She believes that participating in competitions like the IPA Nationals will help improve the skill level of local players.
“The level of play needs to go up which will happen the more competitions we kind of participate in. I think this tournament is a good benchmark for us to analyse where we are at and where we need to improve.” – (Mukherjee)
A Dual Career
In addition to her pickleball success, Mukherjee runs a printing press and coaches tennis. A former professional tennis player, she has transitioned into pickleball over the last year. Her diverse experiences contribute to her growth as an athlete.
About the Indian Pickleball Association
The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) is the official governing body for pickleball in India. It promotes the sport across the country and inspires players of all ages through events like the IPA Nationals. The IPA is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association and the Global Pickleball Federation, further solidifying its role in the sport’s growth.
Mukherjee’s victory at the IPA Nationals not only elevates her profile but also represents the potential for pickleball to thrive in India. As the sport continues to grow, it promises exciting opportunities for players and fans.
News in Brief: Amrita Mukherjee Claims Victory
Amrita Mukherjee won the 19+ Open Women Singles title at the 4th IPA Nationals Pickleball, defeating Rakshika Ravi 11-9, 11-3. The 5th seed showcased her skills against a higher-rated opponent, emphasizing West Bengal’s growing pickleball community.
Mukherjee highlighted the importance of competitions in enhancing local players’ skills and expressed pride in her achievement at the tournament.
ALSO READ: Kavita Khanna Claims Title at 4th IPA Nationals in Thrilling 50+ Final