India’s burgeoning interest in pickleball is about to get a major push as the World Pickleball Championships (WPC) come to Mumbai from November 12 to 17, 2024. Players from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), including top athletes like Vanshik Kapadia, Tejas Mahajan, Vrushali Thakare, and Isha Lakhanai, are excited about the potential impact of this prestigious event in increasing the sport’s visibility and popularity in India. With the championship being hosted in Mumbai, these athletes believe it will inspire more people across the nation to embrace pickleball and elevate India’s presence on the global sports stage.
For players like Vanshik Kapadia, a gold medallist at the recent Asia Pickleball Games, the WPC in Mumbai is a monumental opportunity. He believes that the event will not only raise awareness about pickleball but will also motivate aspiring players to pursue the sport at a higher level. “Thanks to the efforts of AIPA in grassroots development, we now have access to top-tier training facilities, which are helping us prepare for international competition,” Vanshik said. He added that the growing recognition of the sport in India is a testament to the hard work being done behind the scenes.
Tejas Mahajan, who secured gold alongside Vanshik in the Asia Pickleball Games, also expressed his optimism about the WPC’s potential to inspire future players. “The exposure we’ve gained through international tournaments in places like Vietnam and Bali has been invaluable,” Tejas shared. “Now, with the World Pickleball Championships taking place in India, I’m confident that it will spark even greater interest in the sport among young people. AIPA’s support has been crucial in helping us hone our skills and grow as athletes.”
Vrushali Thakare, a bronze medallist in the women’s doubles category at the Asia Pickleball Games, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing how the grassroots programs initiated by AIPA have been key to preparing Indian players for the international arena. “AIPA has been instrumental in nurturing talent and providing the resources necessary for us to compete globally,” Vrushali said. “With these initiatives, India is slowly but surely becoming a force to be reckoned with in the world of pickleball.”
The upcoming World Pickleball Championships in Mumbai marks a pivotal moment for the sport in India. The involvement of top-level athletes, combined with the strong foundation built by AIPA, is sure to accelerate the growth of pickleball in the country. With India’s athletes now gaining international recognition, the hope is that the sport will continue to flourish, attracting more players and fans alike, and securing India’s place in the global pickleball community.