Petulia Balaji and Pearline Roopkumar: Petulia Balaji (60) and Pearline Roopkumar (53) are set to compete in the Rise Up Championship – Pickleball By The Bay 2025 in Chennai, India’s first PWR 1000 event. The Chennai-based duo, winners of the women’s doubles 50+ title at the Tamil Nadu State Championship, are determined to shine despite their age.
Near Miss Fuels Ambition
At the Indian Pickleball Association’s National Selection Trials in Ahmedabad, Petulia and Pearline narrowly missed representing Team India for the Pickleball World Cup in Florida. Pearline Roopkumar said, “We have had a very good run. Actually, we almost got to represent Team India. We went for the selections in Ahmedabad in end of August. And we just… we had three match points but we lost the third set. But one day, we surely will represent India.”
Ageless Competitors
For Petulia and Pearline, pickleball allows athletes to compete well beyond the age typical in other sports. Petulia Balaji said, “This game is very interesting because where every other sport people retire at 35 and 40 maximum, this sport gives opportunities for people at 35, 40, 50, 60… it’s easy on the knees, it’s easy on the back.” Pearline Roopkumar added, “I think this game is designed for everybody… And I’m really grateful to God for helping me to play at this age, this level of sport.”
Scenic Championship Venue
The Chennai coastline adds charm to the event. Petulia Balaji praised the setup: “RUC, this is one of its kind. And I think they have done an excellent job in creating a venue that is so beautiful. Where you play pickleball as well as you watch the sea simultaneously.” Pearline Roopkumar noted the sport’s growth in Chennai, saying, “From what I saw when I started last year to where it is today, I see a growth of more than 100 per cent… for us to represent Tamil Nadu in this PWR 1000, it’s really something that is a dream come true.”
View this post on Instagram
More Than Just a Game
Beyond competition, pickleball fosters community and family participation. Petulia Balaji cautioned that while the sport is easier on the body, minor injuries can occur: “I wouldn’t say injury-free… it’s very, very minor injuries, if you know to play the game well.” Both players see pickleball as a platform to inspire and engage athletes of all ages.
As Chennai hosts its first PWR 1000, Petulia Balaji and Pearline Roopkumar demonstrate that passion and persistence have no age limit, and competitive dreams can continue well into one’s 50s and 60s.
News in Brief: Petulia Balaji and Pearline Roopkumar
Petulia Balaji (60) and Pearline Roopkumar (53) will compete in the Rise Up Championship – Pickleball By The Bay 2025 in Chennai. Recent state champions, they narrowly missed Team India selection but remain determined. The event highlights pickleball’s inclusivity, scenic coastal venue, and growing popularity in Tamil Nadu.
ALSO READ: Waves, Wins, and Wild Finishes: Rise Up Championship Day 1 Ignites Chennai’s Coast