By Sajal Patra,Shivam Sharma

Copyright timesnownews

The inaugural edition of VAMOSSTIVAL, powered by Athletiq, lit up Sportz N More in New Delhi’s Sainik Farms with a delightful blend of competition, celebration, and community. Among its many firsts, the Under-8 gender neutral final stood out as a symbolic step towards inclusivity in sport, as Aarav Gupta edged past Adhya in a nail-biting clash, 11–9. From the very first rally, the match carried an air of anticipation. Both Aarav and Adhya displayed a level of composure and court awareness far beyond their years. The crowd, a mix of cheering parents, siblings, and fellow participants, was treated to quick exchanges at the kitchen line, fearless smashes, and deft dinks that reflected the fearless spirit of young picklers. The contest see-sawed throughout. Adhya looked impressive, but it was Aarav’s nimble feet that drew gasps from the sidelines. The match was delicately poised—every point a test of nerve. Aarav’s calmness under pressure ultimately tilted the balance, as he closed out the game, sealing victory 11–9. More than just a scoreline, the final captured the essence of VAMOSSTIVAL: that sport is for everyone, regardless of age or gender. Watching Aarav and Adhya battle with equal grit and joy underscored how pickleball is nurturing a new generation of athletes unburdened by stereotypes. As the young champion lifted his paddle in triumph and shared a sporting handshake with his opponent, the applause reverberated louder than any shot played on the court. In that moment, the festival’s vision was realised—pickleball not just as a competition, but as a celebration of inclusivity, family, and fun. About Indian Pickleball Association: The Indian Pickleball Association is the official governing body for pickleball in India and is dedicated to promoting, developing, and organising the sport across the country. The association continues to inspire players of all ages and skill levels to embrace the game through events like the IPA Nationals. IPA is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). About Pickleball World Ranking: PWR is a national ranking system that spans all age groups, skill divisions, and formats -including singles, doubles, and mixed categories. It serves as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India. With multiple sanctioned events taking place every week across the country, PWR defines the top Indian players at every level and forms the foundation for team selection at the school, district, state, and national stages. Stay connected with all the latest news on Pickleball, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, tips, and inspiration you won’t find anywhere else. Your ultimate destination for all things pickleball – where the community comes together for news, views, and the sport that’s sweeping the globe. Follow us at @pickleballnow on Instagram and be part of the community!