India’s Ace Cup Winners, UK’s New Courts & MLP Apparel Partnership

Good morning, pickleballers!

Here's today's pickleball news - if you want to listen to it we have the AI Deep Dive below, otherwise crack on and keep reading.

Indian Prodigies Crowned at Inaugural Ace Cup: Bhopal's Aditi & Indore's Utkarsh Dominate First State-Level Ranking Championship!

Bhopal, India – The first state-level ranking Ace Cup Pickleball Championship concluded at Ace Club in Salaiya, Bhopal, showcasing remarkable talent and drawing over 100 players from across Madhya Pradesh. Local sensation Aditi Matta of Bhopal excelled, clinching two titles and securing a runner-up finish. She won the Women's Doubles Open with Shubhi from Dhar, and the Mixed Doubles Open alongside Indore's Utkarsh Dubey. Matta also took second place in women's singles, losing to Shubhi Vyas.

Utkarsh Dubey of Indore was the tournament's dominant force, securing three titles. Beyond his Mixed Doubles win with Matta, Dubey triumphed in Men's Singles, defeating Bhopal's Bhavesh Gaur 15-8, and captured the Men's Doubles Open with partner Anuj Upreti. Other notable winners included Rizwan Khan in Beginners' men's singles and combined doubles, and Bhopal's Vivek and Rohit in the 35+ category. The event highlighted the growing competitive landscape of pickleball in the region.

Pickleball Australia Bolsters National Team with Key New Appointments: Powering Sport's Growth Down Under!

Australia – Pickleball Australia (PA) has announced two significant additions to its team, strengthening its administrative and event capabilities to support the sport's burgeoning growth. Kerry Gray joins PA as the Events Coordinator, bringing extensive experience from numerous volunteer and paid roles in sports administration. Originally from New Zealand, Gray has resided in Australia for 13 years and finds pickleball to be a welcoming and inclusive sport, eager to contribute to its continued community expansion.

Joining as State Administrator Officer for Tasmania, South Australia, the ACT, and Queensland is Michelle Jones. A native of Far North Queensland, Jones discovered pickleball on Bribie Island and, recognizing its power to re-engage people in sport and build community, launched pickleball in Townsville in 2020. By 2022, she was the Secretary for the Pickleball Association Queensland Committee. Jones expressed her enthusiasm for working with other states, emphasizing the rewarding nature of supporting dedicated volunteer committees. These appointments underscore PA's commitment to strategic development and community engagement within the sport.

Sheffield Strikes Gold! Vacant Warehouse Transforms into Cutting-Edge Pickleball Hub, Fueling UK Sport Boom!

Sheffield, UK – Pickleball enthusiasts in Sheffield have cause for celebration as Peak Pickleball has received approval from Sheffield City Council to convert a vacant warehouse unit on Newhall Road into a state-of-the-art pickleball venue. The ambitious plans will see the unit transformed to house three new pickleball courts, significantly boosting the local sporting infrastructure.

The new facility is set to create local employment opportunities, with plans for two full-time and three part-time staff, along with regular coaches. Designed for accessibility and community engagement, the venue will operate from 9 am to 9 pm Monday to Friday, and 8 am to 6 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and Bank Holidays. Peak Pickleball anticipates that the facility will not only cater to the rapidly growing sport but also serve as a vital hub for social interaction, physical well-being, and broader community engagement in Sheffield. This development marks a significant step in establishing pickleball as a major sport in the UK.

Zagreb Dinks for a Difference: Croatian Pickleball Stars Serve Up Hope for Children with Cancer in Charity Showdown!

Zagreb, Croatia – Pickleball Klub 002 in Zagreb hosted a heartwarming charity event on June 15, titled "Pickleball Igrajmo s Razlogom" (Pickleball Let's Play with Reason). The primary goal of the event was to raise crucial funds for Croatian children battling cancer, while simultaneously promoting the burgeoning sport of pickleball. The special day featured the participation of professional Croatian pickleball player Domenika Turković, adding star power to the noble cause.

The event welcomed players of all skill levels, offering two courts for novice players and two for seasoned competitors engaging in Round Robin matches. Crucially, all tournament earnings were dedicated to supporting the Association of Parents of Children with Cancer (Krijesnica), a group committed to assisting underprivileged children. The initiative received strong backing from the Association of Croatian and American Professionals (ACAP) and saw the participation of Dr. Steven Pavletić, a long-time advocate for pickleball in Croatia. Organizers expressed their commitment to continuing such fundraisers for children's wellness.

MLP Scores Big Apparel Deal! Sportiqe Named Official Partner, Ready to Outfit Pro Pickleball's Rising Stars!

Global – Major League Pickleball (MLP by DoorDash) has announced a significant partnership, naming Sportiqe as its official apparel partner and an official sponsor. Sportiqe, a global lifestyle apparel brand celebrated for its elevated comfort and quality, will be responsible for outfitting MLP athletes, staff, and fans in premium performance and lifestyle wear.

This collaboration brings together two dynamic forces: Sportiqe, founded in 2006, and MLP by DoorDash, established in 2021. The MLP recently merged with the PPA Tour in 2024 to form the United Pickleball Association (UPA), solidifying its position in the professional pickleball landscape. Matt Altman, Sportiqe's CEO and Co-Founder, highlighted that their apparel is designed to inspire confidence and drive performance, perfectly aligning with the fast-growing and energetic nature of pickleball. A full range of officially licensed MLP apparel is set to be unveiled during the 2025 season and will be available online and at MLP events.

Daytona Dinks and Drama: Undefeated Shock Reignites Title Talk, While Johns vs. Waters Headliner Electrifies MLP!

Holly Hill, Florida, USA – The MLP Daytona Beach tournament at Pictona at Holly Hill brought intense competition and compelling storylines to the professional pickleball stage. All eyes were on the St. Louis Shock, who entered the tournament with an undefeated 8-0 record, sparking discussions about whether they could emulate the Dallas Flash's perfect season.

Meanwhile, the struggling Carolina Hogs, featuring pickleball superstar Ben Johns, aimed to secure their first win of the season. The event featured a roster of Premier teams, including the Chicago Slice, LA Mad Drops, and Texas Ranchers. High-stakes matchups included the Texas Ranchers versus the Los Angeles Mad Drops on June 7th, and a highly anticipated clash between the Texas Ranchers and the St. Louis Shock on June 8th, offering a chance for the Shock's first loss. However, the most anticipated showdown was undoubtedly on June 8th: the Carolina Hogs (Ben Johns) against the New Jersey 5s (Anna Leigh Waters), a must-see spectacle regardless of team standings. All the thrilling action was broadcast live on Pickleballtv.

CNPL Gets a Caffeine Boost! Trema Café Brews Up Partnership, Energizing Canadian Pickleball Enthusiasts!

Quebec, Canada – The Canadian National Pickleball League (CNPL) has unveiled an exciting new partnership with Trema Café, a popular Quebec-based ready-to-drink café latte brand. This collaboration is set to energize both pickleball enthusiasts and coffee lovers across the country, creating a vibrant atmosphere at CNPL events.

As part of the partnership, attendees of the CNPL III Eastern Split event at the Royal Westcourt Social Club in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, QC, were treated to free samples of Trema Café's delicious, locally crafted lattes. Full Trema Café products were also available for purchase throughout the event, ensuring fans could enjoy their favorite caffeinated beverages. For those unable to attend in person, all matches from the event were broadcast live on Game+ Network, the official broadcast partner of the CNPL. This partnership underscores the growing commercial appeal of pickleball and its ability to attract diverse brand collaborations.

Udaipur's Field Club Ignites Pickleball Passion: New Courts and 142 Players Signal Explosive Local Growth!

Udaipur, India – The Field Club in Udaipur recently hosted a highly successful Pickleball Tournament, drawing an impressive 142 members across various age groups. This enthusiastic turnout highlights the burgeoning popularity of the sport within the club and the wider region. The club's recent investment in the sport is evident, with three dedicated pickleball courts having been constructed just two months prior exclusively for members.

Club Secretary Umesh Manwani expressed his delight, noting the outstanding response from members and the sport's rapidly increasing global appeal. Vice President Bhupendra Shrimali and Joint Secretary Pankaj Kaneria echoed this excitement, praising the strong participation. The tournament celebrated winners across multiple singles and doubles categories, segmented by age. Notable champions included Shailendra Kataria, who secured wins in Under 35 Singles, Under 35 Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, and Alka Kataria, who triumphed in Mixed Doubles and Women's Doubles. The event clearly demonstrated pickleball's growing momentum and community engagement in Udaipur.