Is the Indian Contingent Ready for the Asian Junior Pickleball Championship in Vietnam?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The Indian team consists of 32 young athletes.
- They will compete in multiple age categories.
- The championship takes place in Vietnam from July 13 to 16.
- AIPA is committed to nurturing young talent in pickleball.
- The growth of pickleball in India is gaining momentum.
New Delhi, July 13 (NationPress) — The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has revealed that the Indian team, consisting of 32 talented young athletes, is prepared to take part in the Asian Junior Pickleball Championship taking place in Vietnam from July 13 to 16.
Competing in various categories including Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18, this event marks another significant milestone in India’s rapid growth in the international pickleball arena.
The team features athletes from diverse regions across the country, including Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar. In a show of support and dedication, AIPA hosted a grand flag-off ceremony on July 11.
Prominent players on the roster include Arav Surve and Arnav Khamkar for the Under-12 Boys, Adiya Vinod in the Under-12 Girls, and Aarish Aga Chaubey and Aaradhya Satpute in the Under-14 categories. The team also boasts several strong competitors in the Under-16 and Under-18 divisions, such as Jigar Vishwakarma, Shreyas Rajaram, Avya Nandargame, Parth Vijayvargiya, Anjali Pol, and Aditya Gupta.
AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo expressed great pride in the dedication and preparation of the team. “Our junior players have demonstrated exceptional resilience, discipline, and passion. Their selection for this championship showcases AIPA’s commitment to nurturing a robust talent pipeline and elevating India on the global pickleball stage,” he noted. “We believe they will carry our legacy forward with bravery and dignity.”
AIPA founder and Senior Vice President Sunil Valavalkar added, “Our belief has always been that the future of Indian pickleball lies in its youth. These young athletes embody not just skill but also the aspirations of millions discovering this sport nationwide. I’m delighted by our progress and excited for where this new generation will lead us,” he stated.
In recent years, AIPA has been instrumental in promoting pickleball throughout India, organizing numerous national and international events, including the prestigious World Pickleball Championship Series held in Mumbai in 2024, where India secured 28 medals, including 11 golds.