Vilasier Khate Pickleball Triumph Nagaland: Nagaland’s sports history reached a milestone when Vilasier Khate became the first player from the state to win two pickleball tournaments back-to-back without losing a single game. The 32-year-old secured victories at the Nagaland Open in Dimapur and the Kohima Open at the Akim Astroturf Arena, both PWR 50 events.
A Journey from Tennis to Pickleball
Before entering pickleball, Vilasier Khate was once ranked No. 2 in India at the U16 tennis level. His tennis career ended early due to family challenges, but he found new purpose in pickleball.
“To be the first one to win in Nagaland it feels great,” (Vilasier Khate).
He explained that his transition was influenced by his peers.
“Many of my tennis friends play pickleball. It was them who encouraged me to enrol myself first at Nagaland Open and then at the Kohima Open. So, I thought I should give it a try,” (Vilasier Khate).
Winning Without Expectation
Despite his tennis background, Khate insisted he had no strategy for the tournaments.
“Winning both the tournaments was a big surprise. It was not expected at all. I feel lucky and blessed to win,”(Vilasier Khate).
At the Kohima Open, he partnered with his cousin-brother, Vikhozolie Khate, a tennis coach with the Nagaland Lawn Tennis Association. Their teamwork brought results.
“What worked best about our partnership is communication. Vilasier moves well and he knows what to play when to play. For me pickleball is on the fun side so participation was the idea,”(Vikhozolie Khate).
Match Highlights
The pair stormed through the Kohima Open without dropping a game.
Beat Imtinok Pongener and Rowang D 15–8, 15–5.
Defeated Aaron Ezung and Chiede Khalo 15–5, 15–10.
Overcame Nzamo Kikon and Imsuren Longchar 15–3, 15–12.
Won the final against Zhaputso Khate and Kepevilie Khate 15–12, 16–15.
It was the second straight tournament where Vilasier Khate went unbeaten.
Tennis Roots, Pickleball Growth
Khate credited his tennis training for his edge.
“The competition was always tough since juniors. But having a tennis background does help in pickleball, so it helped me when I played the events.
The mindset is always the same for every racquet sport so there was not much difference,” (Vikhozolie Khate).
He admitted he no longer follows strict training.
“I have not been training at all so physically I am not fit as I used to be. I try to fight for every point so I guess my mental strength is still there,” (Vikhozolie Khate).
“Patience, discipline and hard work is what tennis taught me and it helped me a lot not just in tennis but in all other aspects of my life as well,” (Vikhozolie Khate).
Building a New Sports Culture
Pickleball is still a new sport in Nagaland, but its popularity is growing. Vilasier Khate said,
“Most of my family members play tennis. But these events sparked a lot of interest and excitement even in the tennis community.
All of them wanted to try out pickleball to experience the sport because both sports are similar in nature. I think pickleball is growing very fast in Nagaland.”
He praised governing bodies for supporting the sport.
“PWR and IPA have done a commendable job by introducing pickleball to Nagaland. As the sport is fairly new,
they can continue to organise more competitions and also coaching programmes for potential new enthusiasts,”(Vilasier Khate).
Vikhozolie Khate agreed.
“Pickleball is growing very fast in Nagaland. Because it is a game that anyone can pick up real quick. Lots of youth are now picking up pickleball in Nagaland. PWR and IPA are constantly nurturing and guiding us. In 5–10 years pickleball will become a popular sport for all.”
Looking Ahead
Although Khate is unsure about playing pickleball professionally, he sees potential in younger players.
“I am still not sure whether I will play pickleball as my profession yet,”(Vilasier Khate).
But his advice to others was clear:
“Pickleball is promising for Nagas and the competition is still very open compared to many established disciplines in the national scene. Get your basics right and work hard with the right attitude.”
For now, he plays weekly with his cousins, keeping the spirit alive. His name already holds a special place as the first from Nagaland to claim two straight pickleball titles without losing a game.
News in Brief: Vilasier Khate Pickleball Triumph Nagaland
Vilasier Khate made history by winning both the Nagaland Open and Kohima Open pickleball tournaments without dropping a game. Partnering with cousin Vikhozolie Khate, he highlighted Nagaland’s growing interest in the sport. Supported by PWR and IPA, pickleball is rapidly spreading among youth and building a strong future in the state.
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