Goa Dominates National Pickleball Championship: Goa pickleball players claimed five gold and two silver medals at the ninth All India Pickleball Association Nationals in Jammu, finishing as one of the standout teams of the tournament. Their medal haul also earned them the Veterans Team Winners trophy, showcasing the state’s growing strength in the sport.
Star Performers Lead the Way
Double gold medallist Noel Noronha won the 50+ Men’s Singles title and paired with Wilfred Jaques to capture the 50+ Men’s Doubles crown. Audrey Menezes matched this achievement by winning the 50+ Women’s Singles and teaming with Clarence Noronha to secure the 50+ Mixed Doubles title. James Anderson and Parag Joshi added another gold in the 60+ Men’s Doubles, while James Anderson also claimed silver in the 60+ Men’s Singles.
Other Medal Winners and Close Finishes
Goa’s silver medals included Nihaal Borkar and Ruta Borkar in the 35+ Mixed Doubles. Teenager Tvisha Sardesai secured a bronze in the U16 Girls Singles. Narrow misses came from Aarin Ballani in the U14 Boys, Taksh Parekh in the U16 Boys, and Rajaram Kundaikar in the 35+ Men’s Singles, all of whom fell just short in bronze playoff matches. Ballani and Taksh Parekh reached the quarterfinals in the Boys U16 Doubles, while Ajay Sardesai and Vinod Parkkot exited in the 50+ Doubles quarterfinals. Nihaal Borkar bowed out in the 35+ Men’s Singles pre-quarterfinals.
Growing Pickleball Scene in Goa
Goa Pickleball Association President Mayur Sawkar praised the team’s success.
“The Nationals highlight the talent and potential of pickleball in Goa. With new courts coming up at Clube Tennis de Gaspar Dias, Panjim Gymkhana, BPS Sports Club, and other private venues, the sport is growing rapidly, and Goa can truly emerge as a pickleball destination,”(Mayur Sawkar).
Association Secretary Mangirish Kunde added,
“The association held many practice sessions before the Nationals, and the results show the player dedication. Strong communities in Panaji, Margao, Vasco, and other towns are driving this progress.”
Impact of the Victory
Goa’s outstanding performance not only brought medals but also boosted the state’s reputation as a rising hub for pickleball. With new courts and active local communities, the state is expected to attract more players and host larger tournaments in the future.
News in Brief: Goa Dominates National Pickleball Championship
Goa won five gold and two silver medals at the ninth All India Pickleball Association Nationals in Jammu. Double golds came from Noel Noronha and Audrey Menezes, while James Anderson added a gold and a silver. Officials praised the growing pickleball scene in Goa and highlighted upcoming courts and community support.
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