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A father-daughter duo set a rare example at the just-concluded Pickleball World Cup 2025 in Florida. While Vijay Chhabria won a gold medal in the Gold in 35+ Mens Singles (3.5) Category, his daughter Anushka Chhabria set a new precedent by emerging as the most successful player in the Indian contingent in terms of medals won across different categories, bagging four medals and a team bronze for India. For Vijay, winning the gold medal and opening India's account in the World Cup was deeply emotional. “Winning a gold for India is always an incredible feeling, but sharing that experience with my daughter makes it something we’ll cherish forever,” he told Pickleball Now. “To see Anushka not just participate, but represent Team India in the Juniors and win five medals makes me immensely proud - it feels like a dream realized for both of us.” Anushka, still a teenager, won silver in Girls Doubles (U14) and bronze medals in U14 Girls Singles, U14 Mixed Doubles (partnering Veer Shah), Under-34 Women’s Singles (3.5), and the Junior Team event. Her efforts also contributed to Team India earning the Best Junior Team Delegation Award. 'Level of competition was very high': Anushka “Representing India at the World Cup is an honour beyond words,” said Anushka. “The level of competition was very high, and it was amazing to see how huge pickleball is globally. Every match was about giving my best and showing that India is here not just to participate - but to win.” A former tennis player, Anushka discovered pickleball just over a year ago. “What started as curiosity and fun quickly became a passion,” she said. Her father added, “Pickleball started as a game we played together for fun, but over time we both started taking it more seriously. Watching her compete fearlessly and handle pressure so maturely fills me with great pride.” The Chhabrias’ podium finishes also reflect India’s burgeoning pickleball culture under the watchful gaze of Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). Vijay acknowledged the association’s pivotal role in spurring the growth of Indian pickleball, crediting IPA president Suryaveer Singh Bhullar and Times Group MD Vineet Jain for giving the sport the visibility it deserves. “With their continued support, I truly believe pickleball in India is on the brink of something big,” he said. For now, this father–daughter duo stands as a symbol of dedication, discipline, and shared dreams - proving that sometimes, the greatest victories are the ones that begin at home. Achievements by Vijay and Anushka Chhabria at Pickleball World Cup 2025: Vijay Chhabria Gold in 35+ Mens Singles (3.5) Category Anushka Chhabria Bronze in Age 34 and Below (3.5 DUPR) Category Bronze in U14 Mixed Doubles Category Bronze in U14 Girls Singles Category Silver in U14 Girls Doubles Category Bronze Medal - Team India Juniors Best Junior Team Delegation Award - Team India Note: The Pickleball World Cup does not count the bronze medal won by the Team India Juniors as an individual medal, while all medals won in doubles are counted separately for each player.
