The Bengal Open 2.0 drew an enthusiastic crowd to Ace Sportz on November 23 and 24, underscoring the rise of pickleball in Kolkata. Organized by the Bengal Pickleball Association, the tournament featured 300 participants competing on six courts across 16 categories. Events included singles, doubles, and mixed doubles for juniors, seniors, and open categories. Thirty women also joined the competition, highlighting the sport’s inclusivity.
Key Winners in Action
Vinay Sethia, a 40-year-old certified tennis coach, emerged as a standout, claiming gold in the men’s 35+ singles after defeating Sudarshan Jagnani. On the women’s side, Aashna Arora secured gold in the open singles, while Danielle Jones and Ankita Dokania won in the open doubles.
In the women’s 35+ doubles, Aditi Nahata and Priyanka Sanganeria clinched gold, defeating Dokania and Riddhika Damani. Aditi also took home another gold in the women’s 35+ singles, finishing ahead of Sunanda Maloo.
Player Highlights and Achievements
Vinay, who only began playing pickleball in April, expressed his excitement:
“It’s great to see the kind of competition we have here. There’s a vast difference from the games at Bengal Open 1.0.” – (Vinay Sethia)
Similarly, Aditi Nahata, who has been playing for just seven months, called the event “a really fun tournament,” showing her versatility with medals in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.
“This was a really fun tournament. I have been playing this sport for seven months, and I’m always excited for these events.” – (Aditi Nahata)
Danielle Jones, awarded the women’s MVP, spoke about adapting her tennis skills to pickleball.
“The smaller court demands precision. The pace of the dink game and the paddle, which feels more like an extension of your hand, took some adjusting. I had to unlearn certain habits, especially with my footwork and the way I approach the net. My tennis instincts helped me get a head start.” – (Danielle Jones)
A Community United Through Pickleball
Manish Sikri, secretary of the Bengal Pickleball Association, celebrated the tournament’s success:
“The Bengal Open is a celebration of growth, camaraderie, and the palpable energy of our pickleball community. From Bengal Open 1.0 to 2.0, we’ve witnessed incredible growth, not just in the numbers, but in the intensity and skill level of players. The level of competition has increased significantly. This growth speaks volumes about the rising interest in pickleball in the city and its potential as a mainstream sport.” – (Manish Sikri)
He emphasized the sport’s growing prominence in Kolkata, signaling its potential to become a mainstream activity.
News in Brief: Bengal Open 2.0
The Bengal Open 2.0 showed pickleball’s growing popularity in Kolkata, drawing 300 players to compete across 16 categories. The two-day event at Ace Sportz highlighted remarkable performances, with standout players like Vinay Sethia, Aditi Nahata, and Danielle Jones taking home top honors.
Organized by the Bengal Pickleball Association, the tournament celebrated the sport’s growth, with its secretary, Manish Sikri, praising the rising skill levels and community enthusiasm.
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