The inaugural edition of the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series, held at the prestigious Cricket Club of India (CCI), witnessed a remarkable display of skill and determination from Indian players. From November 12 to 17, over 55 international players from 16 countries graced Indian soil, marking the championship’s debut in the country after successful legs in Vietnam and Bali.
In the Boys’ Under-14 Advanced Plus category, Neel Linge emerged victorious with a gold medal, while Aarisha Aga Choubey secured silver. Ritam Chawla claimed gold in the Boys’ Under-18 Advanced Plus category, with Shourya Kukrecha earning silver. Anushka Chhabra and Jahnavi Iyer won gold and silver, respectively, in the Girls’ Under-14 Advanced Plus category. Agnimitra Bhavatosh Bhattacharya and Naomi Amalsadiwala achieved similar success in the Under-18 girls’ category.
Among the men’s singles competitors, Rohit Patil and Manickavasagam Sethu claimed gold in the 19 Advanced and Men’s Singles Advanced Plus 35 categories, respectively. Gordon Watson and Ajay Kumar took home gold and silver in the 50 Men’s Advanced category.
The doubles section featured equally thrilling performances. Aaradhya Satpute and Neel Linge won gold in the Junior Mixed Doubles Under-14 Advanced Plus category, while Arjun Singh and Naomi Amalsadiwala triumphed in the Junior Mixed Doubles Under-18 Advanced category. Debbie Dcruz and Samrat Kapur emerged victorious in the Mixed Doubles 35 Advanced category.
In the Women’s Singles competitions, Kavya J. and Shraddha Damani captured gold in the 19 Advanced and Women’s Singles 35 Advanced categories, respectively. Pakhi Bhatt and Sindoor Mittal earned silver in their respective categories.
Jan Papi, Founder of Pickleball Global and the WPC Series, expressed his excitement for this milestone event. “Bringing the World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series to India for the first time is truly exciting. India has a vibrant and passionate sports culture, and pickleball’s rapid growth here makes this an ideal setting for our players,” he said.
Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), echoed these sentiments. “We are delighted to partner with such iconic brands and institutions for the World Pickleball Championship, making this a proud moment for the sport in our country. This WPC Series promises to be a landmark event, cementing India’s place on the global pickleball stage,” he said.
