Saurav Panja Pickleball Journey: Former tennis star Saurav Panja has made a strong start in pickleball, competing nationally less than a year after picking up the sport. The Kolkata-based player recently won the doubles event at the Pickle Bay tournament, showing that his competitive drive from tennis has carried over to this new game.
Transitioning from Tennis to Pickleball
“If you have played tennis, or if you have played squash, or if you have played any racquet sport, it’s always easy to get into pickleball. It always helps. Many of the skill sets are the same. But it’s not the same game, because you need to really master the art of pickleball. The racket is different. The balls are different. The court is smaller. The size of the net is not as high. So, it’s a different game. You’ve got to make a lot of adjustments,” Panja explained.
Despite these differences, Panja adapted quickly. Within nine months of starting pickleball, he achieved national success, surprising both himself and others. “I played the Pickle Bay… I won the doubles event. I mean, everybody was surprised. So was I. Because I’ve only gotten into it in the last nine months, I didn’t believe I would be the best, to be honest, so quickly,” he said.
A Competitive Spirit Drives Success
Panja’s competitive mindset remains strong. “The kind of competitiveness I’ve come from, the way I was trained — any sport I would play, I would like to be the best that I can be. So, if I’ve gotten into this, I’ve already won an all-India tournament. I want to play as long as I can. And of course, I would like to give my best. Giving your best is in your hands. The outcome is never in your hands. Your best might not be the best for that day. You might still lose. Because somebody can play better than your best,” he reflected.
Having once shared courts with tennis legends Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, Panja is now using pickleball as a fresh platform to channel his drive, showing that his passion for sports extends beyond tennis.
Growing Impact
Panja’s rapid rise in pickleball highlights how athletes from other racquet sports can quickly excel in the game. His success may inspire other former tennis players and newcomers in India to take up pickleball, helping the sport grow nationally.
News in Brief: Saurav Panja Pickleball Journey
Former tennis star Saurav Panja has made a quick mark in Indian pickleball. Less than a year into the sport, he won the doubles event at Pickle Bay. Panja highlighted the challenges of adapting from tennis, emphasizing skill, focus, and giving one’s best while sharing lessons from his competitive career.
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