Sudarshan Dhakne and Vivin Triumph in Men's Doubles at Grand Prix 2026

Sudarshan Dhakne and Vivin have triumphed in the Men's Doubles Intermediate category at the Pickleball Now Grand Prix 2026, held in Mumbai. They faced a tough challenge from Kapil Samat and Nishan Kuvare, ultimately winning the final with a score of 12–10. The match was characterized by intense rallies and high-quality play, showcasing the skills of all competitors. Vinay, reflecting on the match, praised the level of competition and the difficulty of the final. This victory highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in India, supported by the Indian Pickleball Association.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 25, 2026, 20:02 IST

Men’s Doubles Intermediate Champions Crowned

Sudarshan Dhakne and Vivin emerged victorious in the Men's Doubles Intermediate category at the Pickleball Now Grand Prix 2026, held at the Otters Club in Bandra West, Mumbai, on February 22. They secured the title by defeating Kapil Samat and Nishan Kuvare with a score of 12–10 in a thrilling final match. The contest was marked by extended rallies and impressive shot-making from both teams, but it was Sudarshan and Vivin who maintained their composure during critical moments to clinch the gold medal. Kapil and Nishan, despite their strong performance throughout the tournament, had to settle for the silver medal.

After their victory, Vinay shared his thoughts on the challenging competition and the intense final. He stated, “The match was fantastic. There were many skilled players, and the knockout rounds were particularly challenging. Our final was lengthy, featuring some exceptional points, and it was quite tough under the sun. However, we managed to succeed, and I’m pleased with our performance.” This win concludes a rigorous tournament journey for the champions, who successfully navigated a tough knockout phase before triumphing in the final.

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 motivate players of all ages and skill levels to engage with the game 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 lays the groundwork for team selection at school, district, state, and national levels.

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