Copyright timesnownews
When Hercilio, one of the key organisers of the Pickleball World Cup, spoke to Pickleball Now a month ago, his words carried quiet conviction. “India’s chances are really big this year. From what I saw last time, they were incredible. They absolutely dominated the tournament. The World Cup format was a little tricky for them at first, but now they know exactly how it works. They’ve learned, they’ve adapted, and they’re coming back stronger. I think this time, they’re ready — not just to compete, but to truly make a statement." Today, those words have turned prophetic. Team India, with a staggering 25 medals, has finished 7th in the overall standings, becoming the only Asian nation to break into the top 10 at the Pickleball World Cup. The Indian Pickleball Association President (IPA), Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, led from the front by clinching gold in the 50+ Men’s Doubles (4.5) alongside former Davis Cupper Nitten Kirrtane. Kirrtane, who also bagged gold in the 50+ Men’s Singles (5.0), emerged as one of India’s double medal winners, while young guns Anushka Chhabria and Veer Shah bagged six medals among themselves to announce to the world that the future of pickleball in India is well and truly in safe hands. In a proud moment for the entire contingent, Team India was also recognised as the ‘Best Delegation – Juniors’, a special award that celebrated the squad’s sportsmanship, unity, and all-round excellence. Adding a glowing chapter to India’s success story, young prodigy Veer Shah was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the Pickleball World Cup 2025 in the Juniors category. For Hercilio, who has always seen pickleball as a truly global sport, India’s surge is a sign of what’s coming. "The Pickleball World Cup started in South America and has now made its way to North America, so it’s only natural that we’ll keep expanding. We definitely see the event stepping onto new continents in the years to come. For now, we’re building something strong and meaningful here — but the vision is global, and the journey is far from over," he revealed. His words now ring with new resonance, as conversations grow about India’s potential to host the championship in the near future. India’s success isn’t just about medals; it’s about momentum. It’s the affirmation of a nation’s rising sporting ambition. One that’s fast finding its rhythm in a game built on agility, precision, and passion. In 2025, Hercilio’s prediction came true. But perhaps, what he truly foresaw wasn’t just India’s triumph. It was the dawn of pickleball’s next great frontier. This was also a landmark moment that marked India’s first-ever appearance on the global stage following the Indian Pickleball Association’s official recognition by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, as the national body entrusted to govern, promote, and develop pickleball across the country. 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 also 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!
