Prajnesh Gunneswaran Pickleball Debut: Chennai-based tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran will participate in India’s first PWR 1000 pickleball event, Pickleball By The Bay, from September 26 to 28 at VGP Golden Beach Resort. The event marks a landmark for pickleball in India, offering a beachside setting and an inclusive experience for players and fans.
Casual Start in Pickleball
Prajnesh Gunneswaran, who has represented India at the Asian Games, Davis Cup, and on the ATP Tour, says his entry into pickleball was casual. “I just like the sport, I play for fun, and there was a tournament in my neighbourhood, so I decided just to play,” he said.
He added that the similarities between tennis and pickleball made it easy to enjoy. “I don’t really play much pickleball to say I’ve made too many adjustments. I play occasionally, maybe once every couple of weeks. There’s quite a bit of overlap between tennis and pickleball in terms of the basics, so it was easy enough for me to pick it up and enjoy myself,” he explained.
Advantages of Racket Sports Experience
Having years of professional tennis experience, Gunneswaran said this helped him adapt quickly. “Anybody who plays a racket sport has an advantage in any other racket sport. Since I’ve played another racket sport, I already have the minimum requirement to enjoy pickleball. That’s why I was able to have a good time right away, playing with friends and such.”
Significance of the Tournament
Gunneswaran described the PWR 1000 event as special. “It’s cool. It’s on ECR, which has the coastline, so it’s nice that they have an event near the water. I’m sure it’ll be a good event, fun and well-organised. I’m looking forward to being part of it and having a good time.”
He also highlighted the sport’s accessibility. “It’s nice to have a sport like this that so many people can play. Even older people are playing, and there seems to be momentum around the sport. People of different age groups and athletic abilities are involved, making it an inclusive activity. Even if you’re in your 50s and haven’t played a sport before, many are picking up pickleball. It’s a healthy pastime, and I think it’s a good thing this sport exists.”
Future Potential
For now, Gunneswaran plays casually. “I’ll play if it’s convenient, nearby, and usually, since pickleball events are on weekends, it works out for me. I can play a couple of events if I feel like it. That’s where I stand at the moment.”
He sees opportunities for others in the sport. “Like any other sport, if there’s a federation and a proper pathway to the international circuit, then yes. Internationally, pickleball appears to have a well-established structure already. I don’t know the exact pathways locally, but there’s no reason why athletes shouldn’t try to excel in it if they want.”
He concluded, “It’s about finding the right place to train, putting in the right number of hours, and working on your game. If pickleball eventually becomes an Olympic sport, that will obviously change the landscape even more.”
News in Brief: Prajnesh Gunneswaran Pickleball Debut
Chennai tennis player Prajnesh Gunneswaran will compete in Pickleball By The Bay from September 26 to 28 at VGP Golden Beach Resort. He plays casually but enjoys the sport’s inclusivity. The event is India’s first PWR 1000, set against a beachside backdrop, and highlights pickleball’s growing appeal in the country.
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