Emerging Talents Shine at Picklebay Zonals - North Ahead of World Cup

The Picklebay Zonals - North is showcasing India's top pickleball talents as they gear up for the World Cup. With players like Arjun Singh leading the charge, the Indian Pickleball Association is optimistic about the future. Director Aalap Sharma emphasizes the importance of fitness and mindset in their preparations, aiming for improved results this year. Stay tuned for a major announcement from the association that promises to be significant for the sport's growth in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 25, 2026, 21:36 IST

Indian Pickleball's Bright Future

The Picklebay Zonals - North event is currently underway in Gurgaon, gathering top players for the senior selection trials in preparation for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup. Aalap Sharma, the Director of the Indian Pickleball Association and Secretary of the Gujarat State Pickleball Association, expressed optimism about the new generation of players making their mark internationally. He highlighted that athletes like Arjun Singh are proving that Indian pickleball is ready to compete on a global scale.

Sharma stated, "The players you mentioned are indeed the rising stars of Indian pickleball. They represent the future of our sport, and we can confidently assert that they have made their presence felt on the world stage." He emphasized that Indian pickleball is just beginning its journey of growth, stating, "We are only at the start. We are confident that in the coming years, we will witness the emergence of many more talented players, potentially even those who can compete with the best globally."

Additionally, Sharma hinted at an exciting announcement from the Indian Pickleball Association, teasing, "There will be a significant reveal tomorrow. To discover what it is, stay tuned to this channel. It’s going to be monumental." The Picklebay Zonals - North holds extra importance this year as it serves as the senior selection trials for the World Cup, which is set to take place in Da Nang from August 30 to September 6.

Reflecting on India's past performance, Sharma noted the achievement of finishing seventh in the previous World Cup, the only Asian nation to break into the top 10. However, he stressed the need for improvement, saying, "While it was a commendable achievement, we are not content with it." He revealed that the federation's current focus is on enhancing both physical fitness and technical skills, stating, "This time, we have more comprehensive plans. Our emphasis is on fitness and mindset. While everyone possesses the necessary skills, our primary focus is on improving fitness, as this is an area where Indian players need to advance."

Sharma concluded by outlining India's aspirations for the upcoming World Cup, expressing hopes for better results, including winning more gold medals and converting last year's bronze in the team event into gold this year.

About the Indian Pickleball Association: The Indian Pickleball Association serves as the official governing body for pickleball in India, committed to promoting and organizing the sport nationwide. The association aims to inspire players of all ages and skill levels through events like the IPA Nationals and is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).

About Pickleball World Ranking: The PWR is a national ranking system that encompasses all age groups and skill divisions, 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, defining the top Indian players at every level and forming the basis for team selection at various stages.