Dhiren Patel Clinches Title at Picklebay Zonals - North

Dhiren Patel from Gujarat has emerged victorious in the 30+ Open Men's Singles category at the Picklebay Zonals - North. In a thrilling final, he defeated Vilasier Khate of Nagaland after a gripping three-game match. Dhiren's journey to the title included a semifinal win over Ashray Bhasin. This victory not only highlights his skill but also his determination and composure under pressure. The Indian Pickleball Association continues to promote the sport across the country, inspiring players of all ages.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 26, 2026, 13:38 IST

Dhiren Patel's Remarkable Victory

Dhiren Patel from Gujarat triumphed in the 30+ Open Men's Singles category during the Picklebay Zonals - North, a PWR 700 event sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), held at Horizon x Courtplay in Gurgaon on June 25. In a thrilling final, Dhiren overcame Nagaland's Vilasier Khate after a hard-fought three-game match, with scores of 7-11, 11-9, and 12-10. After losing the first game, Dhiren displayed remarkable resilience, leveling the match in the second game before clinching victory in a nail-biting final game where Vilasier challenged him until the end.

Prior to the final, Dhiren secured his spot by defeating Ashray Bhasin 15-10 in the semifinals, while Vilasier also advanced with a similar score against Vishal Jadhav. In the battle for third place, Vishal rebounded from his semifinal loss to claim the bronze medal by beating Ashray 15-5. Dhiren's comeback victory highlighted his ability to maintain composure under pressure and his determination to turn the match around.

About the Indian Pickleball Association: The Indian Pickleball Association serves as the official governing body for the sport in India, focusing on its promotion, development, and organization nationwide. The association aims to inspire players of all ages and skill levels through events like the IPA Nationals. It is affiliated with both the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).

About Pickleball World Ranking: The 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, PWR identifies the top players at every level and serves as the basis for team selections at various stages, including school, district, state, and national levels.

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