Indian Pickleball Team Set for US Open 2026 in Florida

The Indian Pickleball Association has unveiled its squad for the US Open 2026, set to take place in Naples, Florida. The team includes a mix of reigning champions and rising stars, all eager to showcase their skills on an international stage. With a landmark partnership granting direct entry into the championship, the players are poised for success. Coach Dhiren Patel emphasizes the importance of this opportunity for both junior and senior athletes. The squad is also preparing for future competitions in Singapore and Vietnam, marking a significant step in India's pickleball journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 21:36 IST

Indian Pickleball Association Announces Squad

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has revealed the roster for the upcoming US Open 2026, scheduled to take place in Naples, Florida from April 9 to 18. This team showcases a blend of current National Champions and emerging talents who have excelled in the national circuit. The squad comprises Mihika Yadav, the promising Arjun Singh, Purvansh Patel, Aditya Singh, Naga Moksha, Jeet Sood, Yuvraj Singh, Panth Thakkar, Atharva Sheth, and Suryaveer Singh Bhullar. Dhiren Patel will serve as both coach and player in various categories, as stated in an IPA press release.

IPA President Highlights Growth of Pickleball in India

"This team exemplifies the significant growth of Pickleball in India and reflects the IPA's dedication to building frameworks that enable Indian athletes to compete globally. With Coach Dhiren Patel participating alongside them, our players will gain essential experience as they prepare for upcoming international competitions in Singapore and Vietnam later this year. We wish the squad great success at the US Open 2026," remarked Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, the IPA president.

Athlete's Perspective: A Proud Moment

"Representing one’s country on an international platform is a tremendous honor for any athlete, and I am thrilled that we get to do this as pickleball players at the US Open. A heartfelt thank you to the Indian Pickleball Association for making this opportunity possible for all of us," expressed Mihika.

"As we lead the charge, we are eager to showcase our skills for our nation at the pinnacle of pickleball. Competing in the main draw of the Women's Singles Pro category is a goal I have pursued for a long time, and I am grateful to the IPA for their unwavering support in making this happen," she added.

Coach Praises IPA's Vision and Player Preparedness

Dhiren Patel, who is both a player and coach, expressed gratitude to the IPA for providing such a fantastic opportunity for both junior and senior players to participate in the US Open. "Suryaveer and Aditya are visionaries at the helm of the IPA, focusing on creating pathways for Indian pickleball athletes at the US Open and beyond. The players are well-prepared and excited to make their mark on the global stage," he stated.

Direct Entry Secured Through Landmark Partnership

Typically, the US Open employs a lottery system for player entry; however, a groundbreaking partnership between the Indian Pickleball Association and the US Open has granted these Indian athletes direct access to the championship. This collaboration underscores the IPA's commitment to ensuring that India's top talent has a seamless route to international competition.

Looking Ahead: Future International Events

The US Open marks the first of several significant international events for the IPA this April. After the Florida event, the Indian Pickleball Association will continue to support teams participating in the Epic Amateur World Championship in Singapore and the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam later this year.

The Indian Team Roster

- Open Category: Arjun Singh, Mihika Yadav, Purvansh Patel, Aditya Singh.

- Under-18 Girls: Naga Moksha (National Champion).

- Under-16 Category: Jeet Sood and Yuvraj Singh.

- Sub-Junior Category: Panth Thakkar and Atharva Sheth.

- 40+ Men's Pro Singles: Dhiren Patel.

- 50+ Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles: Suryaveer Singh Bhullar.