The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has named an eight-member squad for the Pickleball World Cup 2026, with Harsh Mehta appointed captain of the Pro category contingent. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Da Nang, Vietnam, from 30 August to 6 September 2026, following a highly competitive domestic selection process.

The Squad and Key Selections

Harsh Mehta, a familiar name on the international pickleball circuit, will lead the men's charge alongside Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian, and Aman Patel. Notably, Arjun Singh carries a dual responsibility — he will also captain India's U/18 category team at the same tournament. On the women's side, the contingent comprises Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, and Naomi Amalsadiwala.

The Amalsadiwala Sisters: India's Doubles Powerhouse

Pearl and Naomi Amalsadiwala have been among the most consistent performers on the Indian circuit, recording podium finishes in both women's doubles and mixed doubles across every tournament over the past year. Naomi Amalsadiwala is expected to be a frontrunner in mixed doubles, partnering with Arjun Singh — a pairing that has already beaten world-ranked teams including Richard Livornese/Megan Fudge and Quang Duong/Shelby Bates, both ranked in the top 3 globally.

What the Captain and Association President Said

'Talent wins matches, but unity wins championships. We are confident that we will perform well to the best of our potential and I expect us to go very far in the cup. Extremely happy and grateful to be chosen as the captain for team India at the upcoming World Cup and I look forward to giving my absolute best along with the rest of the squad,' said Harsh Mehta.

Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association, expressed confidence in the lineup: 'With Harsh Mehta's brilliant leadership alongside dominant forces like Arjun, Anish, Aman, Aaliyah, Mihika and the formidable Amalsadiwala sisters, we have a world class lineup. We aren't going to Da Nang just to compete, we are going to conquer. This team has the hunger, the depth, and the synergy to bring the World Cup home.'

Preparation and Ambitions

India enters the 2026 World Cup on the back of a Bronze Medal in the previous edition, and the squad is targeting a higher finish this time. To sharpen readiness, the selected athletes will undergo a structured high-performance development programme encompassing intensive training camps, technical coaching, physical conditioning, mental resilience training, and sports nutrition guidance.

With a blend of experienced internationals and emerging talent, India's pickleball programme appears to be gaining serious institutional momentum heading into Da Nang.