Avinash Kumar Hails Picklebay Tour: India’s No. 8-ranked men’s singles pickleball player, Avinash Kumar, praised the Picklebay India Tour as a powerful launchpad for young talent in the country. The 24-year-old athlete recently earned a silver medal at the Mumbai leg of the tour and believes the event is helping grow the sport nationwide.
Picklebay Tour Gains Momentum
Avinash Kumar, who is also ranked 24th in Asia according to DUPR rankings, was one of the top performers at the Picklebay India Tour in Mumbai. He competed in the Men’s Open Singles category and won the silver medal. The tournament, organized across multiple states, is drawing strong participation from both new and experienced players.
“Picklebay is a fantastic platform, especially for new and emerging players. It gives us the opportunity to play across different states and helps young athletes get the visibility they need. The format and professionalism here make it a tournament that will definitely grow bigger with time,”-( Avinash Kumar)
From Patna to the National Stage
Avinash Kumar is from Patna, Bihar. He started his journey in sports through cricket before finding out about pickleball. He first read about the sport in a newspaper and decided to learn more.
“I googled it, connected with Bihar Pickleball Association’s Secretary, Ranjan Gupta sir, who introduced me to the game, and that’s where it all began,”-( Avinash Kumar)
What began as a small step in a local academy has now become a full-time career. He trains 5 to 6 hours a day and is currently sponsored by the All India Pickleball Association.
Representing India Internationally
Avinash Kumar has played in several international tournaments for India. He believes Indian players now have better facilities and chances to grow in the sport.
“India has made great progress in infrastructure. Courts are becoming more accessible, especially with platforms like Picklebay. The level of competition is also rising steadily,”-( Avinash Kumar)
He highlighted how the sport brings together elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
“Pickleball is special because it combines the best of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Anyone from age 8 to 80 can enjoy it. It’s cost-effective, easy to pick up, and now with more courts coming up in buildings and communities, it’s growing organically,” -( Avinash Kumar)
Advice to Young Players
Avinash Kumar encouraged younger athletes to see pickleball as a serious sport with real opportunities.
“Young players should seriously consider pickleball as a professional sport. The growth opportunities are real. If you work hard and perform, you’ll get recognition–not just in India, but internationally too,” -( Avinash Kumar)
As the Picklebay India Tour continues across more cities, athletes like Avinash Kumar are proving its value in building the next generation of Indian pickleball stars.
News in Brief: Avinash Kumar Hails Picklebay Tour
Avinash Kumar, India’s No. 8 men’s singles pickleball player, praised the Picklebay India Tour for helping new talent shine. After winning silver in Mumbai, he encouraged young players to pursue pickleball seriously. He credits platforms like Picklebay for improving access and competition across the country.