Gorilla Smash Team Triumphs at Venom by Gorilla Smash Club Tournament

The Gorilla Smash Team emerged victorious in the Mixed Team category at the Venom by Gorilla Smash Club tournament held in Bengaluru. Led by Deekshitha, Sanjay VR, and Kiran Ashish, they defeated the 3 Idiots team in a thrilling final. Both teams entered the match unbeaten, but Gorilla Smash maintained their momentum to secure the title. The tournament, featuring 102 players across six categories, highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in India. Discover more about the matches and the teams' performances in this exciting event.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 7, 2026, 17:13 IST

Gorilla Smash Claims Mixed Team Championship

The Gorilla Smash Team, captained by Deekshitha, Sanjay VR, and Kiran Ashish, secured the Mixed Team championship by overcoming the 3 Idiots team, led by Gowtham, Sonam Bali, and Dr. Spandan, during the finals of the Venom by Gorilla Smash Club tournament. This event, recognized as a PWR 100 competition by the Indian Pickleball Association, took place at HSR Layout in Bengaluru on March 7. Both teams entered the final without any losses, having won all their matches in the group stage. Gorilla Smash maintained their winning streak, clinching the title on the first day of the two-day event.

The final consisted of three games featuring various pairings from both teams. In the first match, Sanjay VR and Deekshitha faced off against Gowtham and Sonam Bali in a tightly contested battle, ultimately winning 21-19 and giving their team an early advantage. The second game saw Sanjay team up with Kiran Ashish against Gowtham and Dr. Spandan. This match was equally competitive, but Sanjay and Kiran managed to keep their composure in the final moments, winning 21-18 and solidifying Gorilla Smash's lead.

The third game featured Kiran Ashish and Deekshitha against Sonam Bali and Dr. Spandan. This match was intense, concluding with a narrow 11-10 victory for the Gorilla Smash duo, completing a clean sweep in the final. Sanjay's pivotal role throughout the matches was evident, as his partnership with Deekshitha showcased excellent coordination and consistency during critical moments. Kiran Ashish also contributed significantly, helping the team maintain control throughout the tie.

The runners-up, 3 Idiots, also showcased impressive skills during the tournament. Under Gowtham's leadership, they maintained an unbeaten record in the group stage, with his contributions in both doubles and mixed doubles being crucial to their journey to the finals.

The Venom by Gorilla Smash Club tournament is currently ongoing in Bengaluru, featuring 102 players competing in six categories. Organized by Gorilla Smash Club, the event boasts a prize pool of Rs 1 lakh, highlighting the increasing popularity of pickleball in the region.

About the Indian Pickleball Association:

The Indian Pickleball Association serves as the official governing body for pickleball in India, focusing on the promotion, development, and organization of the sport nationwide. The association aims to inspire players of all ages and skill levels through events like the IPA Nationals. It 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, 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 Indian players at every level and serves as the basis for team selection at school, district, state, and national levels.

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