The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) began historic selection trials on Saturday, August 30, at the IPA Centre of Excellence in Ahmedabad to form India’s first official national pickleball team. The trials will decide the squad for the Pickleball World Cup 2025, scheduled in Florida, USA, from October 27 to November 2.
Nationwide Participation
More than 140 players from states such as Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, Haryana, and Gujarat are competing in the two-day trials (August 30–31). Players are vying for a chance to represent India on the global stage.
Event Categories
Selections are being held in three categories. In the Under-16 category, two boys and two girls will be chosen, though no singles matches are being played. The Open category includes men’s and women’s singles and doubles winners. In the 50+ category, winners of men’s and women’s doubles will book their spots.
Day 1 Results
By the end of the first day, eight players had qualified for Team India. Aman Patel secured men’s singles, while Dhiren Patel and Suraj Desai won men’s doubles. In women’s events, Amrita Mukherjee triumphed in singles, while Rakshika Ravi and Sindoor Mittal won doubles. In the Under-16 girls’ division, Aayra Khanna and Anushka Chhabaria earned their places.
IPA’s Statement
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association, said,
“Today is a landmark day for Indian pickleball as we begin the process of selecting the first official Indian team for the Pickleball World Cup.
For the first time, players will represent India under the aegis of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India, with the Indian Pickleball Association recognised as the National Sports Federation for the sport.”
He added,
“It is also a proud moment as we move from being an emerging sport to officially fielding a national team on the global stage. The enthusiasm of players from across the country underlines pickleball’s rapid growth and bright future in India.”
Significance of the Trials
The trials coincide with National Sports Day celebrations (August 29–31), making them a symbolic moment for Indian sports. India’s entry into the World Cup follows the success of the inaugural event in Lima, Peru, in 2024, which saw participation from over 500 players representing more than 30 countries.
What’s Next
The final day of trials on August 31 will decide the winners in the Under-16 boys’ division and the 50+ men’s and women’s doubles categories. In total, 14 players, along with two coaches and two managers, will form Team India’s first-ever World Cup squad.
News in Brief: Indian Pickleball Association Team Trials
The Indian Pickleball Association launched selection trials in Ahmedabad to form India’s first official pickleball team for the 2025 Pickleball World Cup in Florida. Eight players qualified on Day 1, including Aman Patel, Rakshika Ravi, and Sindoor Mittal. Final selections in the Under-16 boys’ and 50+ categories will conclude on August 31.
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