Indian Pickleball Players Gear Up for US Open 2026

A talented group of Indian pickleball players is heading to the US Open 2026 in Naples, Florida, marking a significant milestone for the sport in India. With a mix of national champions and emerging stars, the team is set to compete under the guidance of Coach Dhiren Patel. This direct-entry opportunity, made possible by the Indian Pickleball Association, reflects the growing prominence of pickleball in India. The players are eager to showcase their skills on a global platform, with further international events lined up later this year. Read on to discover more about the Indian contingent and their aspirations at the US Open.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 30, 2026, 17:52 IST

Indian Contingent Prepares for Major Challenge

A group of India's leading pickleball athletes is preparing for a significant challenge as they head to the US Open 2026 in Naples, Florida. This event marks a pivotal moment for the players, thanks to a groundbreaking direct-entry opportunity provided by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). The squad includes a mix of seasoned national champions and promising newcomers such as Mihika Yadav, Arjun Singh, Purvansh Patel, and Aditya Singh. Dhiren Patel will serve as both the coach and a competitor in various categories.

"This team showcases the impressive growth of pickleball in India and highlights the IPA's dedication to building frameworks that enable Indian athletes to shine on the global stage. With Coach Dhiren Patel competing alongside them, our players will gain invaluable experience as they prepare for upcoming international events in Singapore and Vietnam later this year. We wish the squad the best of luck at the US Open 2026," stated Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the IPA.

Mihika Yadav expressed her excitement, saying, "It is a tremendous honor for any athlete to represent their country internationally, and I am thrilled that we now have the opportunity to do so as pickleball players at the US Open. I am grateful to the Indian Pickleball Association for making this possible. We are all eager to showcase our skills on such a prestigious platform. Competing in the main draw of the Women's Singles Pro category is a goal I have worked hard to achieve, and I appreciate the IPA's efforts in facilitating this opportunity."

Dhiren Patel, who is both a player and coach, added, "I want to thank the IPA for creating such a fantastic opportunity for both junior and senior players to participate in the US Open this year. Suryaveer and Aditya are visionaries leading the IPA, focusing on creating pathways for Indian pickleball athletes at the US Open and other tournaments, empowering all players in India. The team is ready and excited to make a mark on the global stage."

Traditionally, the US Open employs a lottery system for player entry; however, a significant partnership between the IPA and the US Open has enabled these Indian athletes to gain direct access to the championship. This collaboration underscores the IPA's commitment to ensuring that India's top talent has a seamless route to international competition.

The US Open is just the beginning of several major international events for the IPA this April. After the Florida event, the association will support teams participating in the Epic Amateur World Championship in Singapore and the Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam later this year.

The Indian Contingent:

Open Category: Arjun Singh, Mihika Yadav, Purvansh Patel, and Aditya Singh.

Under-18 Girls: Naga Moksha (National Champion).

Under-16 Category: Jeet Sood and Yuvraj Singh.

Sub-Junior Category: Panth Thakkar and Atharva Sheth.

40+ Men's Pro Singles: Dhiren Patel.

50+ Men's Doubles and Mixed Doubles: Suryaveer Singh Bhullar.