Sudarshan Dhakne’s Pickleball Champion Journey: At just 21 years old, Sudarshan Jagdish Dhakne won the Men’s Singles title at the Mumbai Masters Cup 2025. He defeated Shashank Subramaniam 21–13 to claim his second consecutive championship. The Colaba resident balances his career in aviation and drone engineering with his growing success in pickleball.
An Unconventional Start
Sudarshan Dhakne’s journey into sports began with football.
“I played state-level football till the 11th or 12th, but just before the pandemic I started pickleball. It’s been four years now, and in the last year I’ve taken it very seriously. I also coach beginners and intermediates.”
He was drawn to pickleball because of its simplicity.
“We first played at YBC Yashwantrao Chavan. There were no courts, just lines drawn on the ground. Sunil Valavalkar, the founder of pickleball in India, coached us. I loved watching tennis, but never played it. Pickleball became the racquet sport I wanted.”
Balancing Studies, Work, and Sport
Along with training, Sudarshan Dhakne has built an impressive academic and professional background.
“I’ve done BSc Aeronautics and Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. I’ve also completed drone engineering and piloting, and hold licences in both small and medium categories.
I even finished a course as a drone instructor, so I can teach others how to operate drones. In India, there are many operators but not many government-certified instructors.”
Even with these achievements, managing time remains his biggest challenge.
“I want to go to the advanced and pro level, but I’m also pursuing an MBA and looking at other job opportunities. I worked six months in aircraft maintenance and six months in drones. Managing everything is tough, but I’m improving day by day.”
Confidence From Competition
The Mumbai Masters Cup has been a special tournament for him.
“Mumbai Masters is a great opportunity. They’re doing a wonderful job. This was my second time, and winning again was a very good experience. I’m looking forward to more.”
A Symbol of a New Generation
Sudarshan Dhakne represents India’s new wave of pickleball players. He continues to pursue higher education and career opportunities while competing at the highest levels of the sport. His path shows how passion, dedication, and balance can drive success both on and off the court.
News in Brief: Sudarshan Dhakne’s Pickleball Champion Journey
Sudarshan Jagdish Dhakne, a 21-year-old drone engineer from Colaba, won the Men’s Singles title at the Mumbai Masters Cup 2025 by defeating Shashank Subramaniam 21–13. With achievements in aviation, drone piloting, and coaching, he represents India’s new generation of pickleball players aiming for the professional level.
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