Historic Moment for Indian Pickleball at WPC Series: India’s pickleball journey reached new heights at the Bingo World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series, powered by the World Pickleball League. Hosted by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the event showed India’s growing prowess in the sport. With participants from over 17 nations, including 55 international players and more than 500 Indian athletes, the championship became a landmark global event. Team India emerged as the dominant force, bagging 28 medals, including 11 golds, along with the prestigious team event title, marking a historic achievement.
Memorable Performances and International Highlights
The 19+ open category saw India’s Sonu Vishwakarma overpower Spain’s Mauro Garcia 21-14 to win gold, with Kuldip Mahajan securing bronze after a commanding 21-9 victory against Taiwan’s Lin Guang Sian. Meanwhile, in the 35+ Men’s Singles, Vietnam’s Carlos Rubio staged an extraordinary comeback to defeat India’s Ankit Mody 21-19, despite Ankit’s 19-10 lead. Vivek Reddy added to India’s medal tally, securing bronze with a 15-7 win over Rohan Salvi.
In women’s doubles, the 19+ category brought a collaborative victory for Australia’s Andie Dikosavljevic and India’s Vrushali Thakare, who claimed gold with a 21-9 win. India’s Priyanka Mehta and Shraddha Damani dominated the 35+ women’s doubles, winning gold with a decisive 21-6 score.
Mixed Doubles Magic and Veteran Brilliance
The mixed doubles competitions featured exceptional partnerships. In the 19+ category, Australia’s Danni-Elle Townsend and George Wall defeated India’s Vanshik Kapadia and Vrushali Thakare 21-12 for gold. The 35+ category saw India’s Isha Lakhani and Vishal Jadhav claim gold after an emphatic 21-6 victory over Shraddha Damani and Carlos Rubio.
Veteran players also shone in the 50+ categories. Nitten Kirrtane won in an all-India men’s singles final, defeating Akhil Mathur 15-4 for gold. India’s Sandeep Tawde and Nitten Kirrtane paired up to secure gold in men’s doubles, while Shaks Devnani’s dominant performance in the 50+ women’s singles earned her a 15-3 victory for gold.
Voices of Victory and Unity
Reflecting on the event’s success, AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo expressed pride in India’s achievements.
The success of the WPC Series demonstrates the growing prominence of pickleball in India. Our athletes have showcased exceptional skill and determination, making the nation proud. AIPA is committed to nurturing talent and taking the sport to greater heights globally.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
The Bingo World Pickleball Championship not only celebrated individual and team excellence but also reaffirmed the unifying power of sports, as players from diverse nations competed with passion and friendship.
News in Brief: Historic Moment for Indian Pickleball at WPC Series
India dominated the Bingo World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series, hosted by AIPA, securing 28 medals, including 11 golds, and the prestigious team event title. Over 500 Indian players participated, alongside 55 international players from 17 countries.
Highlights included Sonu Vishwakarma’s gold in the 19+ singles and Priyanka Mehta’s victories in women’s doubles and singles categories. AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo hailed the championship as a testament to India’s growing prominence in pickleball and its unifying power.