Monica Menon Pickleball Family Bonds: Pickleball in India is growing not only as a sport but also as a way to strengthen family bonds. Pro player and coach Monica Menon highlighted this spirit by sharing the story of a mother and daughter duo from Faridabad. Their example reflects the idea behind the upcoming Parent & Child Challenger Cup 1.0, set for August 30–31 at the Ardee Racquet Club in New Delhi.
A Mother and Daughter’s Journey
Monica Menon recalled training a 54-year-old woman whose 18-year-old daughter acts as her biggest supporter. “I train many mothers, some in their 30s, 40s, even 50s, but there’s one daughter who brings her mother to every session. She cheers her mom on, ensures she stretches and warms up, almost like her support system,” Menon said.
“The mother belongs to Faridabad, and her daughter, of course, loves sports, but she is no longer into that. So, she drives her mom and brings her to the session. I do a session with her. She is there, she keeps on watching her, almost there as a cheerleader for her mother,” she added.
Menon also noted that fathers are finding time to train.
Building the Parent-Child Cup
The Parent & Child Challenger Cup 1.0 will see parents team up with children aged 6–16. It will begin with a fun clinic led by Monica Menon before moving into matches. “This is not something we often see,” she said. “For any sport to grow, kids have to be involved. It’s also imperative that parents play a role. These are the two pillars on which the sport depends.”
Because pickleball is easy to learn, Menon believes it encourages families to play together. “In 20–30 minutes, you can learn the basics, how to hold the paddle, understand the rules, and put the ball across. And when you do it with your child, it becomes even more engaging,” she explained.
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Menon’s Own Experience
As a mother herself, Monica Menon values the family side of sport. “My son is only three, so right now he just picks the ball and brings it back to me. But even that helps develop hand-eye coordination. Sports create some of the strongest bonds between parents and children,” she said.
Her journey into pickleball started unexpectedly. “I had a long gap of 15 years after tennis. When my son was 1.5 years old, I still carried pregnancy weight—over 85 kilos. My coach, Dilip Mohanty, entered me directly into a Delhi tournament, despite my never having played before. I won! That gave me the confidence to continue,” Menon recalled.
Inspiring Future Players
Today, Monica Menon trains parents, children, and even mothers who have gone on to represent India in international competitions. “One of my first students, a mother of two, went on to play in Vietnam and won a bronze medal. That’s the beauty of pickleball, you can become the best in your category at any age,” she said.
She also praised the role of organizations in supporting growth. “Associations are the backbone of any sport. With national tournaments and coaching programmes in place, the sport will only grow. And when parents and kids play together, that’s when pickleball really finds its meaning. With leaders like Suryaveer Bhullar and his team, pickleball in India has a very bright future,” she concluded.
Why It Matters
Pickleball in India is proving to be more than competition. It is building connections between generations and creating stronger communities. With events like the Parent & Child Challenger Cup 1.0 and the support of national bodies, the sport is expected to expand further and inspire new players of all ages.
News in Brief: Monica Menon Pickleball Family Bonds
Pickleball coach Monica Menon shared how families, especially parents and children, are building stronger bonds through the sport. Her story of a Faridabad mother and daughter highlights this spirit. The Parent & Child Challenger Cup 1.0 in New Delhi will continue this tradition, with national support helping the game grow in India.
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