Hridaya Arora Triumphs at Surya Pickleball Tournament

Hridaya Arora, a young pickleball player, achieved a significant milestone by winning the Boys Under 12 title at the Surya Pickleball Tournament. His victory over Harsukh Chawla showcased his talent and passion for the sport. In an interview, Hridaya discussed the differences between pickleball and tennis, emphasizing the fun and less stressful nature of pickleball. The tournament, organized by the Indian Pickleball Association, featured 90 players competing in various categories. This event highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in India and the efforts of the IPA to promote the sport.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 29, 2026, 19:21 IST

Hridaya Arora's Remarkable Victory

Young pickleball talent Hridaya Arora made headlines by clinching the Boys Under 12 title at the Surya Pickleball Tournament, where he triumphed over Harsukh Chawla with scores of 11-9 and 11-3 in the final match held on March 28. In an interview with a sports outlet, Hridaya expressed his excitement, stating, “This is my first IPA tournament, and I represent Soft and Surf Academy.”

Having transitioned from tennis to pickleball, Arora shared insights on the distinctions between the two sports. He remarked, “Both sports have their merits,” and elaborated, “In pickleball, the equipment is lighter, with a plastic racquet and ball, whereas tennis racquets are heavier.” He highlighted a significant advantage of pickleball, saying, “The game is less stressful and more about enjoyment, unlike tennis, where pressure is always present.”

Reflecting on his tournament experience, he admitted, “I felt a mix of nerves and excitement, but ultimately, I had a lot of fun.”

The Surya Pickleball Tournament, classified as a PWR 100 event, was organized by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and featured 90 competitors across 18 categories in Indore, Madhya Pradesh.

About the Indian Pickleball Association: The IPA serves as the official governing body for pickleball in India, committed to the sport's promotion and organization nationwide. It aims to inspire players of all ages and skill levels through events like the IPA Nationals. The IPA 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 and skill levels, including singles, doubles, and mixed formats. It acts as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India, with numerous sanctioned events occurring weekly across the country, helping to identify top players and facilitate team selections at various levels.

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