Mumbai Smashers Crowned Champions in Thrilling IPBL Season 1 Finale

The Mumbai Smashers achieved a remarkable victory in the IPBL Season 1 finals, defeating the Hyderabad Royals 5-1. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju participated in the event, showcasing his Pickleball skills. The match featured thrilling performances, including Quang Duong's unbeaten singles record and a comeback by the Smashers after a challenging season. This article delves into the highlights of the final and the players who stood out during the match.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 8, 2025, 02:08 IST

Kiren Rijiju Joins the Action at IPBL Finals

New Delhi, December 7: Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister for Parliamentary Affairs and Minority Affairs, showcased his skills in Pickleball during the finals of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) Season 1. The exciting match featured the Mumbai Smashers facing off against the Hyderabad Royals on Sunday.

Rijiju took a moment to step onto the court, attempting a few serves and returns.

Mumbai Smashers' Remarkable Journey to Victory

In a stunning display, the Mumbai Smashers turned their season around, clinching the championship with a decisive 5-1 win over the Hyderabad Royals. After finishing sixth in the league, Mumbai's journey to the finals was nothing short of extraordinary.

Hyderabad, having a solid season, secured their place in the finals by finishing second in the league standings. In contrast, Mumbai had struggled until their last league match, but they surged forward with a series of impressive performances, including victories in the Play-In and knockout rounds against Lucknow and Chennai, which set the stage for their final showdown.

Final Match Highlights

The final began with Mumbai taking an early lead. Quang Duong, ranked World No. 3 in DUPR, dominated the first singles match, defeating Tejas Gulati 15-4 and maintaining his unbeaten record in singles throughout the league.

Duong then teamed up with Ammol Ramchandani for the men's doubles, where they narrowly defeated Hyderabad's Ben Newell and Divyanshu Kataria 15-10, extending Mumbai's lead to 2-0.

Hyderabad's star player, Megan Fudge, aimed to shift the momentum. After a slow start, she found her rhythm and secured a 15-5 victory, putting Hyderabad on the scoreboard.

However, Mumbai quickly responded. In the women's doubles, Allison Harris and Pearl Amalsadiwala overcame a 6-8 deficit to win 15-10, restoring their two-point lead.

The championship was decided in the Grand Rally, where Mumbai surged ahead with a 6-1 lead. Although Hyderabad fought back to 5-8, the Smashers regained control, ultimately winning 21-14 and securing the title, marking one of the most impressive comeback stories of the season.

Recognition for Outstanding Players

Quang Duong and Pearl Amalsadiwala were honored as the Players of the Tie for their exceptional performances during the final.