Copyright timesnownews
Mihika Yadav won a bronze medal in Florida, which earned her a spot on the World Cup podium. This achievement sparked an important conversation back home. Her success not only contributed to India's best-ever medal tally but also showcased the sport's future potential. In a candid discussion with Pickleball Now, she spoke about supporting young girls in sports and returning to training after a week-long birthday break. Mihika highlighted two main ideas: belief and support. Below are some key points she shared about inspiration, handling pressure, the rising interest in Indian sports following the World Cup, and her immediate plans ahead of the next competition. "I hope more women and young girls feel inspired to get into sporting professions," Mihika said before adding, "I truly feel that there is no dearth of talent in our country, it just needs to be tapped into, viz-a-viz opportunity, accessibility and ultimately self-belief and determination. GIRL POWER ALL THE WAY!" Her medal came after a string of close contests, each demanding resilience and calm under pressure. Mihika credited her mother and her team for keeping her grounded during tense moments. "I had my constant and my best friend, MY MOM, with me throughout the World Cup, who's been my support system forever in life! Also, a big thank you to my wonderful teammates and team coaches Suryaveer sir, Dhiren sir, Manish sir who have been cheering for me through every match of the event! Their positivity and encouragement really uplifted me even in the tight situations in a match," she explained. Mihika also reiterated her belief that her success and India's larger 17-medal haul at the World Cup will push pickleball further into the national sporting mainstream. "Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in our country, and I feel like this is just the onset of the surge of Indian pickleball. With the Indian Pickleball Association gaining official recognition by the Government, it truly marks the birth of the sport! Furthermore, India winning a whopping 17 medals across all age categories (from age 14 to age 60) at the World Cup is only going to boost more Indians to pick up a paddle as they, too, can now believe and aspire to represent the country at the highest stage," she elucidated. As for what's next, Mihika is taking a short pause before diving back into training. "Well, it's birthday week, so definitely a short one-week getaway is up on the list. And then back to the grind, can't wait for what's in store for me! Onwards and Upwards!" Her bronze may be the colour of third place, but for Indian pickleball, it gleams like gold, a symbol of what's possible when belief meets opportunity.
