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At the Pickleball World Cup in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, India witnessed a sporting miracle — not scripted in a federation’s plan or a training manual, but in the heart of a family. Within 24 hours, Vijay Chhabria won India’s first-ever gold in the 35+ Men’s Singles (3.5 rating), and his 14-year-old daughter Anushka Chhabria became the youngest Indian ever to win a World Cup medal, claiming bronze in the Under-34 Women’s Singles (3.5 category), marking a landmark moment 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. "Honestly, it hasn’t really sunk in yet. I’m still processing everything. And being 14 and playing against so many older athletes, more experienced players, was just unbelievable. I really had to step up my game and give it everything. Creating history — yes, it’s definitely a very proud moment for me," Anushka told Pickleball Now moments after winning the bronze in her category. "This moment means a lot to me, and I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved. I’m so thankful to my parents for their constant support. I couldn’t have done this without them. And to all the other girls out there, all I can say is that age really doesn’t matter. You don’t have to wait to be older to do something big. You just have to start, believe in yourself, and keep going," she added. Talking about his father's gold-winning campaign barely a day earlier, the teen prodigy stated, "A bit of both, actually! I was super inspired by his win. Seeing him on the podium made me want to get there too. But yes, there was some pressure because I really didn’t want to let him down." It wasn’t just history — it was heritage in motion. "I’m extremely proud of what Anushka has achieved today. It’s a testament to her dedication and hard work over the last few months preparing for this big stage," Vijay told Pickleball Now moments after his daughter’s podium finish. "When Anushka was selected to represent India, we dreamt of these things, and to see it actually happening is amazing." For Anushka, competing against older, more experienced athletes was an education in grit. She credited her parents, friends and teachers for being equally understanding and supportive while she aims to reach sporting excellence. "Balancing everything definitely isn’t easy. I’ve had to make a lot of sacrifices and work really hard to manage it all. The only way I can do this is because of the huge support I get from my parents, my close friends, and my school — The Cathedral and John Connon School, Mumbai. My principal, Dr. Sonal Parmar, and my headmistress, Mrs. Anshuma Shah, have been incredibly understanding and supportive," she said. Her composure didn’t surprise her father, though. "Anushka was very calm and composed, and that was her biggest strength. Today, the bronze medal match was 18-18, and Anushka managed to pull it off 21-18." The Chhabrias spent months training side by side with father coaching, daughter learning, both chasing the same tricolour dream. "Yes, it was pride for sure, as we have spent hours on the court working towards this, and a little heartbreak as Anushka had actually defeated the eventual winner in the group rounds and lost a close semi-final," Vijay revealed. From her early school tournaments to standing tall on the world stage in Florida, Anushka’s journey has been fuelled by quiet confidence and relentless consistency. "I’ve been winning tournaments over the past year or so, and that’s really given me a lot of confidence and encouragement. My dad’s support and guidance have also helped me believe that I can play and perform at the highest level," she further added. And then came the moment. With the bronze-medal match hanging in the balance, Anushka had to raise her game under pressure, and she did it with utmost ease, further affirming her potential. "Honestly, I wasn’t thinking about making or witnessing history at all in those last moments. We were at 18-all, and all I could think was, just one point at a time — calm down and focus," she admitted. The 14-year-old then went on to deliver three consecutive winners to close the game 21-18 in her favour. For the Chhabria family, it was a moment of rare poetic symmetry. "When I was selected to play for Team India at the Pickleball World Cup, my dad and I would often talk about how incredible it would be if we both won a medal. But at that time, it felt like such a far-off dream. And today, to actually have it happen feels amazing. As soon as I won the bronze medal, my dad came over, gave me a hug, and just said, 'Well done.' It was a really special moment," Anushka said. As for what’s next, her answer reflects both ambition and grace: "Hopefully all three! (more medals, studies, and inspiring a new generation of Indian Pickleball stars). I want to keep improving, keep learning. Both in school and on court. And if my journey inspires even one young player to pick up a paddle, that would make me really happy." A dream once whispered between rallies came true in Florida — a father’s gold, a daughter’s bronze, and a single hug that defined Indian pickleball’s most emotional chapter yet.
