Are IPA’s Selection Trials the Start of a New Era for Indian Pickleball?
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Synopsis
The Indian Pickleball Association kicks off selection trials for the first official Indian team in Ahmedabad. With over 140 players vying for a spot, this event marks a significant milestone in the sport's growth in India, coinciding with National Sports Day celebrations.
Key Takeaways
- Selection trials for India's first official pickleball team are underway.
- More than 140 athletes are competing for a spot in the team.
- The event aligns with National Sports Day celebrations.
- Categories include Under-16, Open, and 50+.
- India will participate in the Pickleball World Cup 2025.
Ahmedabad, Aug 30 (NationPress) The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), recognized as the official National Sports Federation for Pickleball by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has officially launched its selection trials at the IPA Centre of Excellence in Ahmedabad to establish the first-ever official Indian pickleball team.
The two-day trials, scheduled for August 30–31, will identify the athletes who will represent India in the upcoming second edition of the Pickleball World Cup, which is sanctioned by the Global Pickleball Federation and set to take place in Florida, USA, from October 27 to November 2, 2025.
More than 140 athletes from various states including Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, Haryana, and Gujarat are competing for the opportunity to represent India.
The trials will encompass three categories: In the Under-16 division, two boys and two girls will be chosen, with no singles matches contested. The Open category will feature winners in both men’s and women’s singles, as well as men’s and women’s doubles, who will secure their positions on the team.
Additionally, in the 50+ category, champions of men’s and women’s doubles will be selected to represent India at the World Cup.
Mr. Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of IPA, expressed during a press conference, “Today marks a historic moment for Indian pickleball as we initiate the selection process for our inaugural official team for the Pickleball World Cup. For the first time, players will don the Indian jersey under the auspices of the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and the Sports Authority of India, with the Indian Pickleball Association recognized as the National Sports Federation for this sport.”
“This is a proud occasion as we transition from being an emerging sport to fielding a formal national team on an international platform. The enthusiasm displayed by players nationwide reflects the rapid growth and promising future of pickleball in India,” he added.
The timing of these trials is particularly significant as they align with the celebrations of National Sports Day (August 29–31) across India, making this achievement a fitting homage to the nation's sporting spirit.
This development follows the successful inaugural World Cup held in Lima, Peru in October 2024, which featured over 500 players from more than 30 countries. As the global presence of the sport continues to expand, India's participation in the Pickleball World Cup is anticipated to further elevate its popularity at home.
Selected players from Day 1 include:
Men’s Singles – Aman Patel
Men’s Doubles – Dhiren Patel and Suraj Desai
Women’s Singles – Amrita Mukherjee
Women’s Doubles – Rakshika Ravi and Sindoor Mittal
U16 - Girls Aayra Khanna and Anushka Chhabaria
The trials for U-16 Boys and 50+ categories will occur on August 31 in Ahmedabad.
Point of View
It is essential to support and promote the growth of athletic talent across the country.
NationPress
30/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the selection trials for?
The selection trials are aimed at forming the first official Indian pickleball team to represent the country in the Pickleball World Cup 2025.
Where are the trials taking place?
The trials are being held at the IPA Centre of Excellence in Ahmedabad.
How many players are participating?
Over 140 players from various states across India are competing in the trials.
What categories are included in the trials?
The trials consist of three categories: Under-16, Open, and 50+.
When will the Pickleball World Cup take place?
The Pickleball World Cup is scheduled to be held in Florida, USA, from October 27 to November 2, 2025.
