Nitten Kirrtane Pickleball World Cup Journey: Nitten Kirrtane, a former Indian tennis star, has earned a spot on India’s pickleball team for the Pickleball World Cup in Florida. The tournament will take place from October 27 to November 2, 2025. At 51, Kirrtane will play in the 50+ men’s doubles with Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar.
View this post on Instagram
Transition From Tennis to Pickleball
Kirrtane was chosen after the IPA selection trials in Ahmedabad. He has been playing pickleball for four years and said the sport has quickly become his passion. The former National Games gold medalist believes pickleball is the “game of the future.” He hopes to inspire young players while showing that age is not a barrier in sports.
Kirrtane told Mid-day, “Like all other categories, I’m sure in our category too there will be good teams. I’m expecting USA to be really good. A lot of the Asian teams are also doing well. So, we’re hoping to [win medals] and I’m hoping the whole Indian team does well.”
Tough Road to Selection
The IPA trials tested players with 15-point matches. Kirrtane and Bhullar faced challenges but stayed strong. They played together for the first time and managed to find their rhythm.
“It was a tricky competition – the matches were of 15 points. Luckily, me and Surya were on top of the matches. We fought hard. We were down in two or three, especially in the semifinals against Sachin and his partner. Then we played Bhushan and Naveen in the earlier round. Both were tricky matches because you have to be very careful with the rally. But fortunately, me and Suryaveer, playing for the first time together, clicked. I’m happy we got through in the end,” Kirrtane said.
At the venue, he added, “I am happy with my progress, with the way things have gone. Happy to be at this lovely venue, Dinkers Academy. A special thank you to Suryaveer, the IPA president, who hosted such wonderful trials. And I am happy that we got through.”
A Career of Milestones
Kirrtane, from Pune, once played on tennis’s biggest stage. More than 30 years ago, he partnered with Mahesh Bhupathi to finish runner-up at the 1992 Wimbledon Boys’ Championships. That achievement made him a well-known name in Indian tennis.
Now, by stepping onto the pickleball courts in Florida, he adds a new chapter to his story. His journey shows that passion for sports can last a lifetime and cross boundaries between games.
The Bigger Picture
Kirrtane’s move from tennis to pickleball highlights the rapid growth of the sport in India and worldwide. His presence on the team gives India both experience and confidence as they prepare to compete against strong nations like the United States. His story proves that champions never stop chasing excellence—they simply find new courts to conquer.
News in Brief: Nitten Kirrtane Pickleball World Cup Journey
Former Indian tennis player Nitten Kirrtane, 51, will represent India at the Pickleball World Cup in Florida from October 27 to November 2, 2025. Partnering with IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar in the 50+ men’s doubles, Kirrtane hopes to inspire young players and lead India to a medal finish.
ALSO READ: Chennai Gears Up for High-Stakes Tamil Nadu Pickleball Championship—Who Will Rise to the Top?