Armaan Bhatia’s Exclusive Pickleball Story: Armaan Bhatia’s name has become synonymous with excellence in pickleball, and it’s a legacy rooted deeply in family heritage. With a grandfather like Abdul Ismail, a celebrated Indian first-class cricketer and former selector for the Mumbai Cricket Association, the bar was set high.
At the recent PWR DUPR India Masters held at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association Stadium in New Delhi, Armaan Bhatia made history by clinching a monumental triple crown. He dominated the competition by winning the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles events, showing a level of skill and dominance that is hard to match.

A Sporting Legacy
What many might not realize is that Armaan Bhatia’s journey in sports is not just about personal ambition; it’s a tribute to a family steeped in athletic achievement. Abdul Ismail earned the nickname the ‘Sultan of Swing’ during his time from 1969 to 1978, a name that reflects his prowess as a bowler.
In 75 first-class matches, Abdul Ismail captured an impressive 244 wickets with an average of 18.04. The sporting gene runs even deeper, as Armaan Bhatia’s uncle, Asif Ismail, is an Arjuna Award-winning Davis Cup player. The influence of these accomplished athletes has been crucial in shaping Armaan Bhatia’s aspirations.
“Sports runs in Armaan’s blood. His mother, Zeenat, was a state-level badminton player, and his father was also a skilled badminton player. From a young age, Armaan was drawn to sports, and we always knew he had the potential to excel.” – (Armaan Bhatia)
A Foundation in Tennis
Armaan Bhatia’s background in tennis has been pivotal in his pickleball career. Training at Khar Gymkhana in Mumbai, Armaan Bhatia honed a strong tennis foundation and exceptional hand-eye coordination that he carried into pickleball.
He is also someone who is always willing to learn and improve and along with his natural talent, he has propelled himself to the top of the Indian pickleball scene.” – (Asif Ismail)
“Whatever he has learnt in tennis, he has added to his pickleball game. His strength is that he moves around the court pretty well and has excellent hand-eye coordination. Even when he goes abroad, he’s constantly talking to higher-ranked players.” – (Asif Ismail)
A New Star Shines
With this historic performance at the PWR DUPR India Masters, Armaan Bhatia has not only carved a niche for himself but has also solidified his status as a global star in pickleball.
Becoming the first athlete to secure a triple crown in the pickleball tournament’s history is an accomplishment that would undoubtedly fill Abdul Ismail with pride. In a sport where tradition meets modern competition, Armaan Bhatia shows the legacy of excellence that runs through his family, setting the stage for a bright future ahead.
News in Brief: Armaan Bhatia’s Exclusive Pickleball Story
Armaan Bhatia made history by winning a triple crown at the PWR DUPR India Masters, held at the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association Stadium. He claimed titles in men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles, showing his remarkable skills.
His sporting journey is rooted in a family legacy, with his grandfather, Abdul Ismail, being a former first-class cricketer known as the ‘Sultan of Swing.’ Armaan Bhatia’s tennis background has been crucial to his success in pickleball, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.
ALSO READ: How Mumbai’s Monsoons Ignited Armaan Bhatia’s Pickleball Passion
