Anish Froilan Aims for Gold at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup

Anish Froilan is gearing up for the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, with aspirations of winning gold. As the only player from South India in the Indian squad, he feels a strong responsibility to showcase his region's talent. With a background in tennis, Anish has been intensifying his training and refining his skills to compete at the highest level. His journey reflects dedication and ambition, as he aims to make India proud on the international stage.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 21, 2026, 17:46 IST

Anish Froilan's Ambitious Goal

Anish Froilan has set his sights on winning a gold medal at the upcoming Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. He expressed his determination, stating, "I cannot settle for less," during an interview with a sports media outlet. As the sole representative from South India in India's eight-member open squad, he feels a strong sense of responsibility. "Being the only player from South India, I have more to prove," he remarked, emphasizing his desire to showcase the talent and skills from his region.

To prepare for this prestigious tournament, Anish has intensified his training regimen, focusing on both fitness and gameplay strategies. "I’ve been refining my shot techniques and incorporating new skills into my game. I aim to reach peak fitness to enhance my speed on the court," he shared.

Reflecting on his selection for the Indian team, the 23-year-old expressed immense pride. "It’s an honor to represent my country, a dream I've held since childhood. I’m committed to winning a medal for India, and I’m pushing myself to the limits to achieve this goal," he stated.

Tennis Background Enhances Pickleball Skills

Anish transitioned to pickleball after a childhood spent playing tennis, which has significantly influenced his current performance. "While I competed in tennis, I didn’t reach the international level, which led me to pickleball. Since then, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering this sport," he explained.

Having started his pickleball journey just a year ago in Coimbatore, Anish credits his progress to training with talented partners like Boopathy Sakthivel and Rithika Ramakrishna. "Practicing with a team has sharpened my focus on pickleball. Boopathy and I began our journeys together, and Rithika and I have partnered in mixed doubles, which has been invaluable for my development," he noted.

With a strong support system and a clear goal, Anish Froilan is poised to make a significant impact at the World Cup, aiming to bring pride to India.