AIPA Celebrates Success at Inaugural West Zone Pickleball Championship

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) celebrated a significant milestone at the inaugural West Zone Pickleball Championship in Pune, showcasing the success of its grassroots development program. With 317 players participating, the event highlighted exceptional performances across various categories. Notable achievements included Anjali's five medals and strong showings from junior athletes. AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo expressed pride in the results, emphasizing the program's impact on nurturing talent. The championship concluded with recognition for the organizers and distinguished guests, reinforcing AIPA's commitment to advancing pickleball in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 17:34 IST

AIPA's Grassroots Development Program Achieves Milestone

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) marked a significant achievement in its long-term grassroots development initiative as its athletes showcased remarkable skills at the inaugural West Zone Pickleball Championship. This event took place at Musclebar Sports Club in Undri, Pune, and was organized in collaboration with the Amateur Pickleball Association Maharashtra and Pune District Pickleball Association. A total of 317 players from various states, including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Goa, participated in the championship, according to an official press release from AIPA.

Nurturing Talent Through Grassroots Initiatives

In recent years, AIPA has concentrated on discovering and developing talent through its grassroots programs, paving the way for players to evolve from novices to national and international competitors. The outcomes at the West Zone Championship reflect this ongoing commitment, with athletes excelling in junior, open, and masters categories.

Key Player Achievements

Anjali led the medal tally, securing five medals, including three golds in U-18 Girls Singles, U-18 Girls Doubles, and U-18 Mixed Doubles. International player Shreyas Rajaram also achieved five medals across junior and open categories, while fellow international athlete Vrushali Thakare won gold in both Open Women's Doubles and Open Mixed Doubles.

Junior Champions Shine

The junior categories highlighted the success of AIPA's grassroots program, with young talents like Aaradhya Satpute, Arnav Khamkar, Jay Agrawal, Aadya Vinod, Aarav Surve, and Piyush Gaikwad earning medals. Their accomplishments underscore the growing pool of talent nurtured through structured coaching and competitive opportunities provided by AIPA.

Success Across Open and Masters Divisions

The achievements extended to the open and masters divisions, where players excelled in various events. International representatives Noah Ashtamkar, Abhijit Kelkar, and Neelima Utgikar contributed significantly to the medal tally in the masters categories. Other notable female medalists from Pune included Aarti Pandey, who won 1 silver and 2 bronze, Sujata Gupta with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze, and Nidhi Saxena, who secured 2 silvers.

AIPA President on Grassroots Success

Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, expressed satisfaction with the results, stating, "The outcomes at the West Zone Championship validate our grassroots development program's vision. AIPA has dedicated years to creating opportunities for young players to learn, compete, and grow. We are now witnessing these efforts translate into success at various levels. After strong performances in the East Zone, our players have once again showcased their talent in the West Zone, and we anticipate continued success in the upcoming South Zone Championship. The future of Indian pickleball is promising, and these athletes exemplify that progress."

Organisers and Guests Lauded

AIPA extended congratulations to the organizers for successfully hosting the inaugural West Zone Pickleball Championship. Special recognition was given to Pune District Pickleball Association President Mayur Shah, Vice Presidents Amiraj Chowdhury and Gajendra Singh Chauhan, Secretary Kuldeep Ruchandani, and Coach Ajay Chaudhari for their efforts in executing a high-quality championship that provided athletes with an excellent competitive platform. The event was sponsored by Prashant Bora of Bora Corps, Vice President of Pune Pickleball Association.

The championship was attended by distinguished guests, including Rajesh Bansode, Additional Commissioner of Police, Pune; Dr. Pradeep Khandre, Joint Secretary of the Maharashtra Olympic Association; and Mr. Gaurav Natekar, former National Tennis Player, Arjuna Awardee, and CEO of the World Pickleball League, whose presence added prestige to the event.

After three days of competitive play, the championship served as a strong endorsement of AIPA's grassroots vision, with players developed through the program continuing to achieve the results and success that the association has long envisioned for Indian pickleball.