Copyright timesnownews
Indian and Russian troops found a unique way to build solidarity during the Indra-2025 military exercise by rallying together over pickleball. The joint exercise, held at the Mahajan Field Firing Range in Bikaner, began on October 7 and concluded on October 15. While the drills focused on enhancing cooperation in counter-terrorism operations and modern warfare, the soldiers took some time off to engage in friendly matches of football, basketball, billiards, and pickleball. Among these, pickleball stood out as a surprise, as mixed Indo-Russian teams took to the court with enthusiasm, learning and laughing their way through the matches. The sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, offered the troops a refreshing break from the intensity of field exercises. It became a perfect medium for fostering trust, teamwork, and mutual understanding between the two forces. The friendly competition not only helped bridge language barriers but also allowed both sides to share light-hearted moments off the field. Officials observed that such recreational exchanges during joint exercises often strengthen the personal bonds that support professional military cooperation. The participation of both nations in these informal activities reflects a growing cultural exchange beyond the operational level. This initiative also highlighted the rising popularity of pickleball, not just among civilians but also within military circles. Such friendly matches could encourage both countries to further invest in promoting racquet sports as tools for fitness, coordination, and support among troops. The Indra series of exercises began in 2003 and alternates between India and Russia. The last Indra exercise was held in 2021, as the series was suspended after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.
