Rakshika Ravi Pickleball World Cup Journey: Rakshika Ravi, a 19-year-old engineering student from Ahmedabad, is balancing her B.Tech studies with an impressive international pickleball career. She won gold in the Open Pro Mixed Doubles category at the World Cup in Peru and is preparing for the Rise Up Championship – Pickleball By The Bay 2025.
From Tennis to Pickleball
Rakshika started as a tennis player, practicing recreationally for nine years. “Before picking up pickleball, I was a tennis player. I played tennis for about nine years recreationally,” she said. Coaches Dhiren Sir and Pawan Patel Sir introduced her to pickleball, helping her adapt quickly thanks to her tennis background.
“Definitely, because my parents and my coach supported me a lot. Pickleball is a highly addictive game, and I found it to be easier than tennis. I had already tried music, dance, and other activities, so I was curious to start something new. Since I was a tennis player, I had a good handle on the game already.”
Adapting to Techniques
Although tennis provided a strong foundation, Rakshika had to learn pickleball-specific skills. “Tennis players already have the groundstrokes, but pickleball has unique techniques like dinks and placement shots. Doubles is very different too. Initially, we weren’t much into dinking, but with my coach’s training and the presence of other pro players, I was able to adapt easily.”
Balancing Studies and Sport
Rakshika manages her studies alongside her sporting career. “From childhood, I’ve been multitasking because my mom put me into various activities. She has always been a pillar of academic support. I attend college in the mornings and practise in the evenings with my coach. My professors and classmates are aware of my achievements and offer me a lot of support. They even help me catch up on the syllabus whenever I miss classes for tournaments.”
International Achievements
Representing India at the World Cup has been a career highlight. “I feel thrilled and excited to represent India. I’ve done it before, at the last World Cup in Peru, where I won gold in the Open Pro Mixed Doubles category. That was a very proud feeling. My personal goal is to give my best and win a medal for India again.”
Growth of Pickleball in India
Rakshika has seen the sport expand rapidly, especially among youth and women. “Among youngsters, the growth is faster because kids naturally enjoy running around and playing. For women, it’s also picking up. Recently, at the Monsoon Open in Mumbai, a women’s team event took place, and the turnout was amazing. So many women came to play, support, and encourage each other—it was insane.”
Daily Routine and Future Goals
She trains three to three-and-a-half hours daily, focuses on physiotherapy, and follows a balanced diet. “On court, I put about three to three-and-a-half hours every day. I also practice physiotherapy to strengthen my muscles and follow a balanced diet. Earlier, I did yoga, but now physiotherapy is my main focus. My parents also keep me in the right mindset to give my best on court.”
Looking ahead, Rakshika hopes to compete in the Olympics if pickleball becomes an Olympic sport. “In the next five years, I’m hoping to play at the Olympics, maybe 2036 if pickleball gets there. Sports teach you how to cope with failure, to pick yourself up and aim for victory again and again. That’s what I want to do – get better and rock the pickleball world.”
News in Brief: Rakshika Ravi Pickleball World Cup Journey
Rakshika Ravi, 19, is balancing her B.Tech in engineering with an international pickleball career. She won gold in Peru’s World Cup and trains daily to compete in upcoming tournaments, including Pickleball By The Bay 2025. Her story highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in India among youth and women.
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