IPA junior pickleball trials in Ahmedabad from June 12 for World Cup squad
Synopsis
Over 100 young Indian picklers will battle it out in Ahmedabad from 12 June for a spot at the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam — including US Open medallist Arjun Singh and bronze winner Panth Thakkar. The IPA's junior trials are emerging as a serious talent pipeline, drawing players from eight states across the country.
Key Takeaways
The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) will hold junior trials in Ahmedabad from 12 to 14 June 2025 .
Trials will select India's U14 and U18 squads for the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam (30 August – 9 September) .
More than 100 players from 8 states are competing for selection.
Arjun Singh (3 US Open medals) and Panth Thakkar (US Open doubles bronze) are among the notable contenders.
The selection panel is headed by IPA CEO Aditya Khanna alongside four selectors.
The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) will hold selection trials for the Indian Sub-Junior and Junior national teams from 12 to 14 June in Ahmedabad, as the federation moves to finalise its squad for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup. The three-day event will determine which young players earn the right to represent India on the global stage.
About the World Cup
The trials are aimed at selecting players for the third edition of the Pickleball World Cup, sanctioned by the Global Pickleball Federation. The tournament is scheduled to be held in Vietnam from 30 August to 9 September, bringing together top junior talent from around the world.
Scale of Participation
More than 100 players from across India are expected to compete for a place in the U14 and U18 categories. Athletes are travelling from states including Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, Haryana, and Gujarat to take part in the trials.
Selection Panel and Notable Contenders
The selection committee comprises Aalap Sharma, Dhiren Patel, Mohit Kumar, Atul Edward, and IPA Chief Executive Officer Aditya Khanna. Among the standout names expected to compete is Arjun Singh, who recently claimed 3 medals at the US Open across singles and doubles events. Panth Thakkar, a bronze medallist in doubles at the US Open, is also in contention, along with rising open-category star Naomi Amalsadiwala. Other prominent names include Purvansh Patel, Anoushka Chabbria, Veer Shah, and Dev Shah.
What the IPA President Said
IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar underlined the significance of the junior selection process. 'The Junior squad for the Indian Pickleball contingent is extremely vital as it determines the players that will represent India on the global stage for many years to come,' Bhullar said. 'These are the players who will potentially one day compete at the major global events once pickleball officially enters those events as well. The World Cup is the perfect starting point for the young talent across India to showcase their skills or compete alongside the best junior talent in the world.'
Broader Context
Pickleball has witnessed rapid growth in India over the past few years, with the IPA steadily expanding its competitive calendar at both domestic and international levels. Notably, the inclusion of young players from non-traditional pickleball states such as Assam and Odisha signals a widening grassroots base. The Ahmedabad trials will be a key marker of how deep India's junior pipeline now runs ahead of the Vietnam showpiece.
Point of View
Three days, two age groups — is rigorous enough to identify the best talent rather than the most-travelled. With pickleball knocking on the door of major multi-sport events globally, the junior pipeline built at trials like this one will define India's competitive standing in the sport's next decade.
NationPress
6 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where are the IPA junior pickleball trials being held?
The trials are scheduled from 12 to 14 June 2025 in Ahmedabad. The three-day event will select India's Sub-Junior and Junior squads for the Pickleball World Cup.
Which tournament are the trials selecting players for?
The trials are selecting players for the third edition of the Pickleball World Cup, sanctioned by the Global Pickleball Federation and scheduled in Vietnam from 30 August to 9 September 2025.
Who are the notable players competing at the Ahmedabad trials?
Arjun Singh, who won 3 medals at the US Open in singles and doubles, and Panth Thakkar, a US Open doubles bronze medallist, are among the top contenders. Naomi Amalsadiwala, Purvansh Patel, Anoushka Chabbria, Veer Shah, and Dev Shah are also expected to compete.
Who is on the IPA selection committee for the trials?
The selection panel comprises Aalap Sharma, Dhiren Patel, Mohit Kumar, Atul Edward, and IPA CEO Aditya Khanna.
Which states are represented at the junior pickleball trials?
Players are participating from Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Assam, Rajasthan, Odisha, Haryana, and Gujarat, reflecting the sport's expanding footprint across India.
