Bennett University Hosts Thrilling 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals
The 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals at Bennett University was a massive success, with players from all age groups participating. The event showcased the growing popularity of pickleball in India and the university's commitment to fostering sports initiatives. Bennett University, established by The Times Group, is one of India’s leading private-sector higher education institutions. It aims to develop sports initiatives that enrich the student experience and act as a nursery for fostering high-level sports talent.
From Young Talents to Seasoned Veterans: 4th IPA Nationals Showcases Pickleball's Wide Appeal
The 4th IPA Nationals showcased the wide appeal of pickleball with participation from players of all ages and skill levels. The tournament featured various categories, from U-14 to 60+ age groups, highlighting the inclusivity of the sport. The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) continues to inspire players of all ages to embrace the game through events like the IPA Nationals.
Aarna Aces Nationals, Claims Victory in Combined U-16 and U-18 Girls' Pickleball Showdown
Aarna emerged victorious in the merged U-16 and U-18 Girls' Singles category at the 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals held at Bennett University. She defeated Ragini Gupta of Jammu and Kashmir, who secured the silver medal. Aarna's performance was a highlight of the tournament, showcasing her skill and determination. Ragini Gupta's achievement is a proud moment for the Jammu and Kashmir Pickleball Association and demonstrates the potential of the sport in the region.
Aayra Khanna Secures Gold, Shining Bright in U-14 Girls' Pickleball at IPA Nationals
Aayra Khanna clinched the gold medal in the U-14 Girls' Singles category at the 4th IPA Pickleball Nationals, also held at Bennett University. Aayra defeated Dhviya in the final, with Dhvija taking third place. A former tennis player, Aayra credited her brother for introducing her to pickleball and expressed her excitement to continue her journey in the sport. She described her experience at Bennett University as "very good".
Rajasthan's Aditya Ruhela Crushes Competition, Takes Home PRO Open Men's Singles Title
Aditya Ruhela of Rajasthan dominated the PRO Open Men's Singles category at the 4th IPA Nationals, defeating Harsh Mehta of Maharashtra in straight games, 11-2, 11-2. Ruhela, the top seed, displayed his dominance throughout the tournament, with one-sided wins from the first round to the final. While Mehta started with a good point, Ruhela did not give him any space to come back into the match.
Jammu & Kashmir's Pickleball Scene Heats Up with Ragini Gupta's Silver at Nationals
Ragini Gupta's silver medal in the U-18 Girls Singles category at the 4th IPA National Pickleball Tournament signals the rise of pickleball in Jammu and Kashmir. Viraj Singh, Secretary of the J&K Pickleball Association, and Farid Singh, President of the J&K Pickleball Association, praised Ragini’s achievement as a proud moment and a display of the immense potential in the region.
Gujarat's Dev Shah Dominates, Wins U18 Boys Singles Title in All-Gujarat Final
Dev Shah triumphed in the U18 Boys Singles category at the 4th IPA Nationals, defeating Purvansh Patel in an all-Gujarat final. The match highlighted the talent emerging from Gujarat, which has produced many winners at the 4th IPA Nationals.
Mittal and Bangera Dominate, Secure 35+ Women's Doubles Title at IPA Nationals
Sindoor Mittal and Simran Bangera secured the 35+ Women's Doubles title at the 4th IPA Nationals, defeating top seeds Praachi Jain Chander and Sakshi Aggarwal. The pair from Maharashtra came back from a deficit in the second game to win the title.
Patel Duo Triumph, Clinch 35+ Men's Doubles Title at IPA Nationals
Krish Patel and Kishan Patel of Gujarat won the 35+ Men's Doubles title at the 4th IPA Nationals, defeating Maharashtra's Neeraj Jain and Sohel Makani. The Patel duo, seeded eighth, stormed to victory in straight sets, showcasing the sport's ability to connect people.
Gujarat's Sheth and Shah Conquer U14 Boys Doubles, Living Up to Top Seed Expectations
Atharva Sheth and Veer Shah of Gujarat won the U14 Boys Doubles title at the 4th IPA Nationals, living up to their top-seed status. They defeated Kabir Kamra and Yammiv of Kerala in a dominant final, winning the first set 11-1. They also praised the facilities at Bennett University.
Gujarat's Sood and Patel Seize U16 Boys Doubles Title at IPA Nationals
Jeet Sood and Vivan Patel of Gujarat clinched the U16 Boys Doubles title at the 4th IPA Nationals, also entering the tournament as top seeds. They defeated Vishal Nishad and Jitesh Nishad in the final, showing their determination and teamwork. They started playing pickleball together after playing tennis together.
Priyanka Mehta, Former Tennis Star, Conquers 35+ Women's Singles at Pickleball Nationals
Priyanka Mehta of Maharashtra, a former junior tennis player, won the 35+ Women's Singles title at the 4th IPA Nationals, defeating Monica Menon of Delhi. Mehta, a Chartered Accountant, transitioned smoothly from tennis to pickleball.
Vishal Nishad Edges Out Vivan Patel in Thrilling U16 Boys Singles Final
Vishal Nishad won the U16 Boys Singles title at the 4th IPA Nationals, edging out Vivan Patel in a thrilling final. This victory marks another impressive performance from a young pickleball player at the tournament.
Amrita Mukherjee of West Bengal Claims Open Women's Singles Crown in Stunning Victory
Amrita Mukherjee of West Bengal secured the Open Women's Singles title at the 4th IPA Nationals, defeating Rakshikha Ravi of Gujarat in the final. Mukherjee produced a stunning performance, outclassing her opponent in straight sets, marking a redemption after losing to Ravi in the group stage.
Anna Leigh Waters, Pickleball Prodigy, Turns 18
Pickleball sensation Anna Leigh Waters celebrated her 18th birthday, marking a significant milestone in her already remarkable career. Having turned professional at just 14, Waters has grown up in the pro ranks, developing into a dominant force in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles. Her journey began playing alongside her mother, Leigh, but Waters has since forged her own path to stardom, solidifying her place as pickleball's most dominant female athlete.
Known for her hyperactive and energetic nature as a child, Waters' love of sports led her parents to homeschool her so she could focus on her budding career. She has celebrated numerous achievements, including winning Triple Crowns and earning her 100th career PPA title. She was also included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023. Supported by her family, Waters has become a role model for junior players with similar pickleball dreams. Her self-belief, work ethic, and resume have cemented her place in the pickleball history books. With a birthday on January 26, she shares this day with notable athletes like Wayne Gretzky, Vince Carter, and Ellen DeGeneres.
PPA Tour Heads Down Under for Inaugural Proton Australia Pickleball Open
The Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) Tour is making its first-ever trip to Australia for the Proton Australia Pickleball Open, marking a significant step in the sport's global expansion. The tournament, which begins in the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, highlights the sport's explosive growth in Australia, where over 100,000 people are expected to play in 2025. The event will feature top PPA players from the USA, including Tyson McGuffin, Gabe Tardio, and Jessie Irvine, who are all expected to be top seeds.
The tournament also showcases the best of Australian pickleball, with players such as Danni-Elle Townsend, Nicola Schoeman, and Somer Dalla-Bona set to compete. On the men’s side, Tom Evans, who has competed in US PPA events, is a player to watch, along with Kyle Stoker and Harrison Brown. The event will be held indoors at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, known locally as “Jeff’s Shed”. The tournament includes men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles, and men’s and women’s singles. The PPA tour's arrival in Australia is a chance for Australian players to test their skills against the world's best.
Hudle and FanCode Team Up to Broadcast Inaugural World Pickleball League
Hudle, a sports tech platform, has partnered with FanCode as the Co-Presenting Streaming Sponsor for the inaugural World Pickleball League (WPBL). This collaboration aims to promote a more active and sports-oriented lifestyle in India. The WPBL, taking place at Mumbai’s Cricket Club of India (CCI) from January 24 to February 2, features elite athletes from around the world.
Hudle will be prominently featured on FanCode, the WPBL’s exclusive streaming partner, with digital branding opportunities including video ads, display banners, and logo placements in online promotions. These ads will direct audiences to Hudle's app. Suhail Narain, Founder and CEO of Hudle, expressed his excitement about the partnership and their dedication to fostering emerging sports and building a dynamic community of enthusiasts. Hudle operates across 1,500+ venues in over 75 cities and has engaged over 50,000 players across 1,000+ pickleball courts in India.
World Pickleball League Set to Serve Up Big Viewership and Ad Revenue
The inaugural World Pickleball League (WPL) is anticipated to attract a viewership of 8-12 million across broadcast platforms, including Sony Sports Network and FanCode, potentially boosting India's advertising expenditure by around two percent and generating Rs 100 crore in advertising revenue. The WPL, which runs from January 24 to February 2, features six teams competing in a ten-day tournament.
Rajesh Kaul, chief revenue officer at Sony Pictures Networks India (SPNI), anticipates the league will perform well. The sport has already attracted a dedicated following, with the majority of interest expected to come from metro areas. Brands such as PNG Jewellers, Dove, Volvo, and Barclays are already sponsors, with further conversations ongoing with healthcare and lifestyle brands. Brand sponsorships for the WPL are priced between Rs 9 crore for a three-year deal and Rs 10–12 crore for a five-year partnership. Team sponsorships are estimated at Rs 4 crore per year.
Pickleball Kingdom Expands Footprint with 10 New Locations
Pickleball Kingdom, an American pickleball franchise, is significantly expanding its reach with the announcement of 10 new locations across the United States. This expansion follows the opening of their new Nashville South facility, which spans 41,000 square feet and features 14 indoor courts, climate-controlled playing conditions, a mezzanine, community room, and a pro shop.
The new clubs are set to open in the coming months in locations including New Jersey, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Washington. According to Founder and CEO Ace Rodrigues, this expansion is a “continued dedication to delivering exceptional indoor pickleball experiences to communities nationwide”. The Nashville location is a partnership with franchisees Jesse and Emily DeMund, who are passionate about both the sport and community. The franchise aims to create a quality playing experience for all skill levels, in a comfortable atmosphere that goes beyond the court.