Day 3 at the Indian Open 2025: The Indian Open 2025 Pickleball tournament is only three days in, but the excitement is already at its peak. Held at NESCO Hall – 3 in Goregaon, Mumbai, from February 3 to 9, the event has attracted over 1,200 participants, the highest in Asia. The tournament is gaining traction with packed stands and an electric atmosphere, showcasing the sport’s rapid growth in India.
Global Sports, the organization behind the tournament, is committed to promoting pickleball and training future champions. Founder Hemal Jain highlighted the event’s expansion since its first edition in Goa.
“In our first season of the tournament in Goa, we had about 240 participants. Today we have gotten to over 1,200 participants from around the globe. It’s the highest in Asia.”(Hemal Jain)
Bollywood’s Influence on Pickleball
The tournament’s association with Bollywood celebrities has further boosted its visibility. Filmmaker Luv Ranjan and comedian Anubhav Singh Bassi, owners of the Jaipur Jawans, emphasized the importance of such partnerships.
“The involvement of Bollywood certainly helps in marketing a sport and putting it in the spotlight. And we are here today because of our love for sports in general,” (Filmmaker Luv Ranjan).
Exciting Matches and Standout Performances
The tournament features 30 courts for individual matches, one Pro court, and one Challenger court, along with various entertainment and food options. The atmosphere has been further enhanced by music, as noted by international participant Jhonnatan Alvarez from Virginia.
“I love the music played here during the games. It adds to the energy of the play.”(Jhonnatan Alvarez)
The Pro League match between the Kolkata Kingz and the Delhi Snipers was a thriller. Kolkata started strong with a 15-21 win in the women’s singles match, but Delhi’s Jamie Haas and Leah Tauber turned the tide in a dramatic fashion. The Snipers ultimately secured a 3-1 victory.
Emerging Indian Pickleball Stars
Many Indian players competing in the tournament have already made their mark internationally. Himansh Mehta from Jaipur Jawans won medals at the World Cup of Pickleball in Peru, while Stavya Bhasin from Chennai Cool Cats impressed at the USA Open Pickleball Championships.
Mihika Yadav stood out with her sharp forehand drives and smooth movement across the court. As a former tennis player, she is paving the way for future Indian pickleball athletes. Meanwhile, Bengaluru Blazers’ Shraddha Damani and Rohin Rajani displayed exceptional teamwork against the Chennai Cool Cats, setting new standards for doubles play.
February 5 Results
Challenger League Matches
| Match | Winner |
|---|---|
| Nashik Ninjas vs Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors | Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors |
| Ahmedabad Olympians vs Goa Gladiators | Ahmedabad Olympians |
| Chennai Cool Cats vs Bengaluru Blazers | Chennai Cool Cats |
| Hyderabad Vikings vs Delhi Snipers | Hyderabad Vikings |
Pro League Matches
| Match | Winner |
| Delhi Snipers vs Kolkata Kingz | Delhi Snipers |
| Mumbai Chhatrapati Warriors vs Hyderabad Vikings | Hyderabad Vikings |
| Ahmedabad Olympians vs Jaipur Jawans | Ahmedabad Olympians |
| Chennai Cool Cats vs Bengaluru Blazers | Chennai Cool Cats |
What’s Next?
The Indian Open 2025 will culminate in a thrilling weekend, with Bollywood stars Karan Johar and Kunal Khemu set to attend on February 8. The tournament is being streamed live on FanCode, ensuring fans worldwide can follow the action.
News in Brief: Day 3 at the Indian Open 2025
The Indian Open 2025 Pickleball tournament in Mumbai has drawn record crowds and over 1,200 participants. Bollywood stars and international players add to its growing popularity. Delhi Snipers and Hyderabad Vikings secured key wins on February 5. The event concludes on February 9, with more action ahead and star-studded appearances expected.
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