Bhushan Akut Clinches Men's 60+ Singles Title at Haryana Open

Bhushan Akut claimed the Men's 60+ Singles title at the Haryana Open, defeating Ajeet Bhardwaj in a thrilling final. The tournament showcased intense competition, with both players demonstrating exceptional skill. The Indian Pickleball Association continues to promote the sport across the country, inspiring players of all ages. Discover more about the event and the significance of the Pickleball World Ranking system in this exciting recap.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 22, 2026, 14:13 IST

Exciting Finale at Haryana Open

In a thrilling conclusion to the Haryana Open, Bhushan Akut emerged victorious in the Men's 60+ Singles category, defeating Ajeet Bhardwaj with a score of 15-10. This match marked the end of an exhilarating week of pickleball, showcasing the skills of both competitors. The journey to the final was challenging for both players. Ajeet Bhardwaj advanced to the semifinals after overcoming Sudesh Singh with an 11-4 victory, while Bhushan Akut also secured his place by defeating Arun Soni 11-4. The other quarterfinals saw Tony Chacko triumph over SB Sharma 11-4, and Rohira Thakurdas narrowly beat Anil Nigam 11-5. The semifinals proved to be even more intense, with Ajeet Bhardwaj edging out Tony Chacko 15-11, and Bhushan Akut battling past Rohira Thakurdas with a close 15-11 finish. By the time the final match arrived, both finalists had demonstrated their prowess, but it was Akut who maintained his composure, ultimately winning the championship with a score of 15-10.

About the Indian Pickleball Association

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) serves as the official governing body for the sport in India, focusing on its promotion, development, and organization throughout the nation. The IPA aims to inspire players of various ages and skill levels to engage with pickleball through events such as the IPA Nationals. Additionally, the association is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).

Understanding the Pickleball World Ranking

The Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) is a comprehensive national ranking system that encompasses all age groups, skill levels, and formats, including singles, doubles, and mixed categories. It acts as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India. With numerous sanctioned events occurring weekly across the country, the PWR identifies the top players at every level and serves as a basis for team selections at school, district, state, and national competitions.