India Teenage Pickleball Prodigies: India’s young pickleball players are stepping onto the world stage with skill, focus, and ambition. Led by rising talents like Dev Shah, Rakshikha Ravi, Aariv Raj Khanna, Veer Shah, Purvansh Patel, Snehal Patil, and brothers Arjun Singh and Aditya Singh, these athletes are shaping the country’s future in the sport.
Pickleball in India is growing quickly, with the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) working to develop talent. IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar said,
“Pickleball is growing rapidly in India, and while it’s not yet an Olympic sport, our young players are already proving they can shine on the global stage. Many of them are teenagers, but their composure and skill are far beyond their years.”
A National Push for Talent
The IPA, a Class A member of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), has created Centres of Excellence in several states to train players. The GPF is also working toward making pickleball an Olympic sport, giving Indian players a chance to compete at the highest level.
Rising Stars of Indian Pickleball
Dev Shah – At 15, Dev switched from football to pickleball and now trains three hours daily. He has won medals at the Monsoon Pickleball Championship 3.0 and aims to compete at the Pickleball World Cup in Florida and the US Open in 2026.
Rakshikha Ravi – A former tennis player from Gujarat, Rakshikha has earned about 50 podium finishes. She trains three hours daily at Dinkers and plans to compete in the PPA Tour Asia and Major League Pickleball in the US.
Aariv Raj Khanna – The 14-year-old from Delhi blends tennis skills with sharp net play. He has won at the IPA Nationals and earned medals in Japan and Vietnam. Aariv is preparing for the Pickleball World Cup.
Veer Shah – At 13, Veer plays with patience and strategy, guided by national coach Dhiren Patel and Surya Veer. He is targeting events like the US Open, PWR World Series, and Pickleball World Cup.
Purvansh Patel – Playing since 2019, Purvansh has developed calm under pressure. He has competed against Asia’s best, including Quang Duong, and is preparing for the PPA and MLP tours.
Snehal Patil – From a small town in Gujarat, Snehal rose from humble beginnings to national podiums. Signed by Global Sports, she is set to compete in Asia’s top events.
Arjun Singh and Aditya Singh – Mumbai brothers who began training together at a young age, they now compete with strong teamwork. Signed by Global Sports, they aim for success at the Asian and World Cup levels.
The Road Ahead
These players represent more than individual success stories. They are part of a broader movement to make India a global pickleball power. With structured training, international exposure, and growing recognition, the dream of seeing India’s tricolour at the top of world pickleball podiums is getting closer.
News in Brief: India Teenage Pickleball Prodigies
India’s teenage pickleball talents are making waves internationally. Backed by the Indian Pickleball Association’s training programs, players like Dev Shah, Rakshikha Ravi, Aariv Raj Khanna, and others aim for world titles. With Olympic ambitions for the sport, India’s next generation is preparing to compete at the sport’s highest levels.
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