Top pickleball players from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) are anticipating the World Pickleball Championships (WPC), which will be held in Mumbai from November 12–17, as a major turning point in the sport’s growth in India.

In addition to showcasing elite players from throughout the globe, hosting the WPC in Mumbai demonstrates India’s rising interest in the sport. Athletes from India, such as Vanshik Kapadia, Tejas Mahajan, Vrushali Thakare, and Isha Lakhanai, are hopeful that this well-known occasion would increase the sport’s appeal in the nation.

“We are thrilled to have the World Pickleball Championships in India,” said Vanshik Kapadia, a gold medalist in the 19+ men’s doubles and mixed doubles at the recent Asia Pickleball Games. We now have access to facilities and training programs that are getting us ready to compete globally because of AIPA’s grassroots development initiatives. It’s fantastic to see the sport become more well-known here.

“AIPA has been a constant pillar of support, helping us hone our skills and challenging us to reach our highest potential,” said Tejas Mahajan, who won gold in the same competition with Vanshik. Our confidence has increased as a result of competing overseas, such as in Vietnam and Bali, and I think the publicity we’re receiving domestically will encourage a lot more young athletes to take up the sport.”

Bronze medallist in the 19+ women’s doubles division, Vrushali Thakare, further highlighted the significance of AIPA’s efforts, saying, “AIPA’s grassroots programs have been instrumental in preparing us for international challenges.” The support we get enables us to compete well on a worldwide level and advances India’s ascent to prominence in the pickleball world.”

Indian athletes will get the opportunity to compete against some of the greatest in the world, which will be an excellent experience.