Nagaland Makes Sporting History: Inaugural Pickleball Open Marks State’s Emergence in India’s Pickleball Landscape
What's the Score?
The state of Nagaland in India recently made sporting history by hosting its first-ever Nagaland Pickleball Open. Held on July 13, 2025, at Aiko Greens in Dimapur, this PWR 50-sanctioned event saw 32 teams from Nagaland and Assam compete across Men’s Doubles Open and Mixed Doubles categories. The successful organisation and competitive play of the tournament mark a significant milestone, legitimising Nagaland's burgeoning presence in India's rapidly developing pickleball scene and showcasing the sport's expanding reach within the country.
Hit it deeper!
The historic Nagaland Pickleball Open, held on July 13, 2025, at Aiko Greens in Dimapur, signified a pivotal moment for sports in the Indian state. This inaugural event, meticulously organised by the Nagaland Pickleball Association in collaboration with the Indian Pickleball Association, was officially a PWR 50-sanctioned tournament, indicating its adherence to established competitive standards. The competition drew a notable turnout, with 32 teams from both Nagaland and the neighbouring state of Assam participating, showcasing a regional interest in the sport. Players fiercely competed in two main categories: the Men’s Doubles Open and Mixed Doubles.
The Men’s Doubles title was ultimately clinched by the formidable pairing of Megotsolie Khate and Vilasier Khate, who were awarded the coveted champions’ trophy along with a substantial cash prize of ₹15,000. The runners-up in this category were Dilip Mohanty and Abyan Zaffar, who also received recognition for their performance with a trophy and ₹10,000. In the Mixed Doubles category, the championship title went to the duo of Dilip Mohanty and Nazneen Rahman, who secured the champions’ trophy and a ₹10,000 cash prize. It is noteworthy that Dilip Mohanty not only excelled as a player but also played a crucial dual role in the tournament’s success. He served as the event’s tournament director, providing essential expert oversight that ensured the smooth coordination of all proceedings and maintained a high standard of professionalism throughout the event. His dedication clearly contributed significantly to the successful execution of Nagaland’s first major pickleball tournament.
The successful hosting of this event carries immense significance for Nagaland. It has effectively legitimised the state as a major player within India’s emerging pickleball landscape, signalling its readiness to host and compete in high-calibre events. This landmark tournament serves as a beacon for future pickleball development in the region, attracting more players, fostering local talent, and drawing further organisational support. The Nagaland Pickleball Association extended its sincere gratitude to the Assam Pickleball Association, acknowledging their continuous support as instrumental in helping Nagaland enhance its profile within the growing pickleball community. This collaborative spirit between state associations highlights a unified effort to grow the sport across India. The event's positive reception also indicates a burgeoning enthusiasm for pickleball in the North-Eastern region of India, traditionally known for other sports. The prize money, while significant for a regional tournament, also shows the growing commercial aspect of the sport.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The inaugural Nagaland Pickleball Open marks a crucial chapter in the story of pickleball’s global expansion, demonstrating its remarkable ability to take root and flourish in diverse regions. This event is not merely a local competition; it represents a historical legitimisation of Nagaland as a significant hub for pickleball in India. The active participation from different states like Assam and the seamless collaboration between regional and national associations underscore the sport’s strong community foundation and its potential for widespread growth. Ultimately, Nagaland’s success reinforces the idea that pickleball's accessibility and engaging nature make it an ideal sport for fostering new athletic communities and unlocking untapped potential, cementing its status as one of the fastest-growing sports globally.