Independence Cup Pickleball Tournament: The Universal Pickleball Association (UPA) organized its first-ever Independence Cup Pickleball Tournament on Sunday, August 17, at Pickleplay in Sector 121, Noida. Over 100 participants competed across 11 age categories, from Under-14 to 60-plus, with more than 150 matches played at the new venue.
The tournament offered a total cash prize of Rs 66,000, with Rs 6,000 per category, along with gifts for the top-three finishers in each section. The event aimed to encourage physical fitness and patriotic spirit, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a Fit India.
UPA’s Journey and Mission
The Universal Pickleball Association, formed in October 2022 by sports enthusiasts, aimed to promote pickleball across Uttar Pradesh. President Kumar K said, “When we talk about the journey of the Universal Pickleball Association, it fills me with pride and gratitude. Over the years, UPA has successfully conducted more than 40 boot camps across Uttar Pradesh, creating awareness and laying a strong foundation for this beautiful sport of Pickleball. Not just that — we have also hosted over 30 tournaments, from local to large-scale events, welcoming passionate participants from across the country.”
He added, “Today, with the Independence Cup, we take yet another step forward. This is not just a tournament — it is a contribution towards the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047, as envisioned by our Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji. He has often said that a healthy society is the foundation of a prosperous nation, and through sports like Pickleball, we are turning that vision into reality.”
Inclusivity and Player Achievements
Pickleball was praised for its inclusivity, allowing players of all ages to participate. Jyoti Dang Kandhari, 54, who competed in the 50-plus age category, said, “With no racquet sports history, I came to know about pickleball in December 2023 when UPA conducted a boot camp in our society. From then on, with the constant support of the UPA, I achieved some small milestones in my sports journey. I won gold in the Noida Pickleball Nationals in women’s doubles and a bronze in mixed doubles. I have also won many medals in the UP State tournament as well as the AD Sharma tournament, to name a few.”
Prabhat Mani Vats, secretary of UPA, highlighted the organization’s expansion: “We are grateful to the Government for inspiring people to embrace good health through such initiatives. Our players have consistently delivered outstanding performances at both national and international tournaments, bringing pride to Uttar Pradesh. Looking ahead, UPA has already established district-level associations in 3-4 districts and is set to expand to 7-8 more districts this year. This will further strengthen the sport’s infrastructure and enable its growth at the grassroots level, ensuring a sustainable and inclusive ecosystem for Pickleball in the state.”
UPA’s Vision for the Future
UPA’s motto remained simple: to cover every district of Uttar Pradesh and spread the joy of pickleball while promoting fitness and good health. Through events like the Independence Cup, the association hoped to inspire more people to play, support grassroots development, and contribute to building a healthier, more active society.
News in Brief: Independence Cup Pickleball Tournament
The Universal Pickleball Association hosted its first Independence Cup on August 17 at Pickleplay, Sector 121, Noida. Over 100 players competed across 11 age groups in more than 150 matches. The event offered Rs 66,000 in cash prizes and gifts, promoting fitness and patriotic spirit while strengthening pickleball in Uttar Pradesh.