Armaan Bhatia, Asia’s top-ranked pickleball player from India, recently marked a significant achievement by winning three titles at the PWR DUPR India Masters, held in New Delhi. Originally a tennis player, Bhatia switched to pickleball and quickly established himself at the forefront of this rapidly growing sport. The 25-year-old’s remarkable performance included securing victories in the men’s singles, mixed doubles, and men’s doubles categories at the prestigious Delhi Lawn Tennis Association stadium.
In the men’s singles final, Bhatia staged an impressive comeback to defeat American player Dusty Boyer with scores of 8-11, 11-9, 11-8. Despite an initial setback and trailing in the second set, Bhatia’s persistence led him to victory, ultimately overcoming Boyer’s strong start in the third set. This win highlighted his skill and resilience, making him a standout in the tournament. Bhatia also clinched the mixed doubles title with Roos van Reek and the men’s doubles title alongside Harsh Mehta, establishing his dominance in multiple categories.
This event marked the first international pickleball tournament of this scale in India, a part of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) series, which brought together top players and generated new enthusiasm for the sport among local fans. As pickleball gains traction in India, especially in urban areas, hosting such events could significantly contribute to its growing popularity and inspire budding athletes. Aditya Khanna, the tournament director and co-founder of PWR, emphasized the event’s success, noting that it has helped lay the groundwork for the sport’s future in the country.
Boyer, a former professional tennis player, also expressed admiration for India’s enthusiasm for pickleball. Despite his loss, he praised the hospitality, crowd energy, and the skill level he observed in Indian players. Recalling his own experiences playing against Indian athletes in tennis, Boyer highlighted how their craftiness and agility could make them formidable contenders in pickleball as well. He voiced optimism about the sport’s potential in India, pointing out that better facilities and increased participation could elevate its status even further.
Overall, the PWR DUPR India Masters showcased the potential of Indian players on an international stage, with Armaan Bhatia’s victory marking a milestone for pickleball in Asia. As the sport continues to gain followers, it seems poised to create a thriving community in India, drawing both players and fans into the fold.