Dhiren Patel Triumphs in 40+ Open Men's Singles at Picklebay Zonals

Dhiren Patel from Gujarat has emerged victorious in the 40+ Open Men's Singles category at the Picklebay Zonals - North, held on June 24. Remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament, Patel defeated Himanshu Diwaskar in the final with a score of 15-4. His impressive performance included wins against notable players, positioning him favorably in the PWR rankings for potential selection to the national team for the Pickleball World Cup. The tournament continues with various other categories scheduled over the next few days, promising more exciting matches ahead.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 24, 2026, 20:14 IST

Dhiren Patel's Unbeaten Run at Picklebay Zonals

Dhiren Patel from Gujarat claimed victory in the 40+ Open Men's Singles division during the Picklebay Zonals - North, which took place on June 24 at The Horizon X Courtplay. Patel showcased an impressive performance, remaining undefeated throughout the event and ultimately defeating Himanshu Diwaskar in the final match with a score of 15-4.

Patel's journey to the title included a semifinal win against Santosh Bhagat, where he triumphed 15-3, and a quarterfinal victory over Kunal Dewan, finishing 11-0. In the pre-quarterfinals, he also secured a decisive win against Murlidhar Parnami, ending that match 11-1.

Himanshu Diwaskar earned the silver medal after overcoming Rohan Dsouza 15-8 in the semifinals, while Santosh Bhagat took home the bronze in this competitive category. This victory is likely to enhance Patel's position in the PWR rankings, improving his prospects for selection to the national team for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup.

The five-day tournament, which runs from June 24 to June 28, will feature various other Open and Pro categories in the days ahead.

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 and 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. The PWR identifies the top players at every level and serves as the basis for team selections at school, district, state, and national levels.

Stay updated with the latest in Pickleball, including exclusive content, tips, and inspiration. Join our community for all things pickleball by following us at @pickleballnow.in on Instagram!