Armaan Bhatia’s Unstoppable Rise: Armaan Bhatia is quickly becoming a household name in pickleball, a sport that blends the speed of tennis, the strategy of badminton, and the accessibility of ping pong. Once seen as a niche backyard activity, pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports worldwide, with a burgeoning following in India.
Its appeal lies in its simplicity, competitiveness, and undeniable fun. Bhatia has capitalized on this momentum, recently making history at the PWR DUPR India Masters at Delhi’s DLTA Stadium, where he achieved the rare triple crown—winning the men’s singles, men’s doubles, and mixed doubles titles in one weekend.
A Sporting Legacy
Bhatia’s rise isn’t just a story of individual talent but one steeped in a rich family tradition of athletic excellence. His grandfather played Ranji cricket for Mumbai, his uncle represented India in tennis, and his parents competed in badminton at a high level. Bhatia’s early years were spent honing his reflexes on tennis courts at Khar Gymkhana, skills that seamlessly translated to pickleball. Today, the 25-year-old runs Blaze Pickleball Academy with his partner Harsh, training over 200 athletes across three centers in Mumbai.
The Journey to Pickleball Stardom
For Bhatia, pickleball was a serendipitous discovery during Mumbai’s monsoon season, when tennis courts became inaccessible. “We weren’t entirely certain of its scope initially, but it grew on me,” he recalls. With unwavering support from clubs like Khar Gymkhana and Otters Club, Bhatia transitioned from tennis to pickleball and never looked back.
Training for him is rigorous—two hours in the gym and up to five hours of coaching daily. However, the recent weeks have been lighter due to illness, a rare pause in his relentless schedule.
Life Beyond the Court
While Bhatia is laser-focused on his pickleball career, he makes time for personal interests. A self-proclaimed foodie, he loves exploring Mumbai’s culinary hotspots and scenic locales. Carter Road’s food lane, Bandstand, and Coastal Road drive are among his favorite haunts.
His travels for pickleball have also taken him worldwide, with Bali standing out as a cherished destination. “After hectic weeks of sporting, I truly relax there,” he shares, reflecting on how the sport has broadened his horizons.
Off the court, Bhatia recharges through massages, spa visits, and pool time. Competition jitters are managed through warm-ups and constant match analysis, though he admits to pre-game anxiety that settles only after stepping onto the court.
News in Brief: Armaan Bhatia’s Unstoppable Rise
Armaan Bhatia, India’s reigning pickleball champion, has solidified his status with a historic triple crown at the PWR DUPR India Masters. From a family of athletes, Bhatia discovered pickleball by chance but has since dedicated himself to the sport. He now runs Blaze Pickleball Academy, training over 200 athletes.
Known for his love of travel and food, Bhatia balances his intense training schedule with moments of relaxation. His journey from Mumbai’s tennis courts to international pickleball success highlights his determination and passion for the game.
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