Priyanka Mehta’s Pickleball Breakthrough: Priyanka Mehta, once little-known in the sports world, is proving that late bloomers can shine. A former chartered accountant, she has amazed fans with her journey to becoming a pickleball champion. At 40, she defied expectations by winning four titles at the PWR DUPR India Masters, making her a strong contender in the sport.
A Late Start, But a Swift Ascent
Hailing from Pune and now residing in Mumbai, Priyanka’s journey into pickleball began just last year. Unlike athletes who started young, her initial career path led her to finance, where she earned her credentials as a chartered accountant. However, her passion for sports eventually eclipsed her interest in numbers.
“But after working for almost four years, I realized it’s not my cup of tea,” Priyanka shared in an exclusive interview with Pickleball Now. Trading spreadsheets for paddles, she embraced pickleball with the same dedication that once fueled her financial career.
Athletic Roots in a Sporting Family
Priyanka’s sporting prowess is no coincidence. Her father, Raju Mehta, played Ranji Trophy cricket for Baroda, and her uncle, Anshuman Gaikwad, is a legend in Indian cricket. While Priyanka didn’t follow in their cricketing footsteps, she credits her tennis background for her seamless transition to pickleball.
“Sports was in the family, but I did not end up taking up cricket and instead opted for tennis,” she explained. Although she didn’t pursue tennis professionally, the skills and discipline she acquired laid a solid foundation for her success. “That background definitely helped me in pickleball. It made me what I am today,” she added.
Eyes on the Future
The PWR DUPR India Masters has become a defining moment in Priyanka’s budding pickleball career. Victories in four categories showcase her versatility and determination. At 40, she refuses to let age define her limits.
“After winning at the India Masters, my journey has just begun—because today I am 40, but I feel as young as 20. Age is just a number for me,” she stated. With aspirations to compete in the professional category, Priyanka’s next chapter promises to be even more exciting.
Priyanka Mehta’s Titles at the PWR DUPR India Masters
- 35+ Women’s Singles: Priyanka Mehta (India)
- 35+ Mixed Doubles: Priyanka Mehta (India) / Himanshu Dewaskar (USA)
- 35+ Women’s Doubles: Sarah Burr / Priyanka Mehta
News in Brief: Priyanka Mehta’s Pickleball Breakthrough
Priyanka Mehta, a former chartered accountant, claimed four titles at the PWR DUPR India Masters, marking a stellar start to her pickleball career. The 40-year-old from Mumbai, with a family legacy in sports and a background in tennis, embraced pickleball only last year. Her victories include titles in 35+ Women’s Singles, Mixed Doubles, and Women’s Doubles categories. With sights set on professional competition, Mehta’s journey is a testament to perseverance and the belief that age is just a number.
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