Trivandrum Pickleball Open Launch: The first Trivandrum Pickleball Open was inaugurated on Saturday in Thiruvananthapuram by Travancore Royal Prince Adithya Varma and Jiji Thomson, former Director General of the Sports Authority of India and former Chief Secretary of Kerala. The ceremony was held at Spinz Pickleball Trivandrum, marking the beginning of a historic event for the sport in the state.
A Grand Opening
During the opening, Adithya Varma and Jiji Thomson played an exhibition match alongside Pickleball Association of Kerala Secretary Visakh V. S., who also serves on the executive board of the Indian Pickleball Association. The event was also attended by Trivandrum District Pickleball Association Secretary Jayamurali M. V. and President Manoj S. K.
Varma praised the game for its inclusive nature, saying he admired how pickleball could be enjoyed by people of all ages. Thomson expressed his hopes that more people would take up the sport, highlighting his excitement about pickleball’s growth in Kerala.
Visakh V. S., who is ranked India No. 4 in the 35+ category and has won multiple Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) 100 titles, added: “Pickleball has gained massive popularity in Kerala with a large number of players joining events and new facilities opening up across the state.”
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Tournament Details
The two-day tournament is being held on August 30–31 and has received close to 150 entries, with about 100 players from Kerala and Tamil Nadu competing. Participants are playing across several categories, including:
- Men’s Singles
- Men’s Doubles
- U18 Boys’ Singles
- 35+ Men’s Singles and Doubles
- 50+ Men’s Singles and Doubles
- Women’s Singles
- Mixed Doubles
- Women’s Doubles
- 60+ Men’s Singles
- 50+ Women’s Singles
The total prize pool is Rs 66,000, along with vouchers sponsored by Sportsden.
About Rankings and Associations
Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) is India’s official ranking system, covering all age groups and formats, from singles to doubles. It serves as the base for team selection at school, district, state, and national levels.
The Indian Pickleball Association, the country’s official governing body, is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association and the Global Pickleball Federation. It promotes and organizes events like the IPA Nationals to grow the sport across India.
The Bigger Picture
The Trivandrum Pickleball Open marks a milestone for the sport in Kerala, bringing together local and regional talent while boosting awareness about pickleball. With growing participation and support, Kerala is poised to become an important hub for the sport’s expansion in India.
News in Brief: Trivandrum Pickleball Open Launch
The first-ever Trivandrum Pickleball Open began in Kerala, inaugurated by Prince Adithya Varma and Jiji Thomson. With nearly 150 entries and a Rs 66,000 prize pool, the event highlights the sport’s growing popularity. Leaders believe pickleball’s inclusive nature will help attract new players across the state.
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