Good morning, pickleballers!
Halfway through the working week once again – wow.
Have you been following the action in Mumbai? Let us know your thoughts.
Gordo and I should be recording this week’s podcast today so if you have any questions, fire them in via the social channels.
Here’s the latest pickleball news – it’s a quiet day.
World Pickleball League: Dilli Dillwale and Hyderabad Super Stars Claim Victory in Solemn Day Two of Competition
Mumbai, India – Day Two of the World Pickleball League unfolded under solemn circumstances in Mumbai, as intense competition was balanced with a sombre atmosphere following the passing of Shri Ajit Pawar. In a mark of respect, the league announced that all fixtures on January 28 were held behind closed doors, with players wearing black armbands and observing a minute’s silence before play commenced.
Despite the subdued environment, the on-court action was fierce. The day began with a nail-biter between Mumbai Pickle Power and Dilli Dillwale. Dilli set the pace early, with Mihae Kwon dominating women’s singles 21-8 against Jada Bui, followed by a mixed doubles victory for Max Manthou and Trang Huynh. However, Mumbai fought back, with Max Green securing a men’s singles win and the team of Brandon Lane and Santhosh Narayanan forcing the tie into a decisive shootout after winning the men’s doubles. Ultimately, Dilli Dillwale’s consistency prevailed in the tie-breaker, where Manthou and Huynh won 10-3, sealing a 3-2 overall victory.
The second fixture saw the Hyderabad Super Stars deliver a comprehensive performance against the Rajasthan Titans. Hyderabad established early dominance with Seone Mendez winning the women’s singles 30-3, and the duo of Kaitlynn Hart and Josep Canyadell taking the mixed doubles. While Rajasthan’s Jack Foster produced a standout performance to win the men’s singles 18-9 over Marcello Jardim, Hyderabad remained in control. They closed out the fixture in the men’s doubles, ensuring a 3-2 match victory for the Super Stars.
The day concluded with teams positioning themselves for the remainder of the tournament, having navigated a day requiring both professional intensity and respectful observance.
Unsung Heroes of the Court: Carvana and PPA Tour Launch Search for Community Leaders with $35,000 Vehicle Prize
San Clemente, USA – The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour and Carvana have announced a major new initiative designed to recognise the individuals responsible for the sport’s explosive grassroots growth. In a move to celebrate influence rather than world rankings, the newly unveiled “Driving Pickleball Forward Award” spotlights the people who are pushing the game forward through creativity, expanding communities, and fresh ideas.
While pro athletes often dominate the headlines, this award is dedicated to those making the sport more inclusive, accessible, and fun for everyday players. The stakes for this recognition are high. One selected recipient will be awarded a $35,000 credit toward the purchase of a vehicle from Carvana. In addition to the new wheels, the winner will receive a three-day trip to San Clemente, California, to attend the prestigious PPA Finals, where their contributions to the sport will be formally recognised.
Carvana and the PPA have emphasised that this accolade is not about championship titles or on-court dominance, but rather about the momentum and positive impact a person brings to their local pickleball ecosystem. Submissions are currently open, allowing members of the community to self-nominate or submit stories about others who are making a difference.
The selection process will involve a deadline for video or written entries on April 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Following the submissions, a joint panel from the PPA Tour and Carvana will review entries based on originality, impact, and contribution, with a public fan vote also counting toward the final decision.