Telangana Teen Triumphs at India's Inaugural Junior Pickleball Championship

Minal Shaik Kalyan, a teenager from Telangana, recently claimed the U18 Girls Doubles title at India's inaugural Junior Pickleball Championship. With only a year of experience in the sport, Minal's victory against seasoned competitors highlights her potential and the growing interest in pickleball among youth in India. She emphasizes the need for more junior competitions to nurture talent and hopes to continue her journey in pickleball while balancing her academic commitments. This championship not only marks a significant achievement for Minal but also showcases the future of pickleball in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 18, 2026, 20:46 IST

A Surprising Victory

Minal Shaik Kalyan and her partner Ashritha Raju entered the first Junior Pickleball Championship in India without any elaborate strategy—just curiosity and a desire to gauge their skills against the nation's top young players. A few days later, they found themselves atop the podium as champions in the U18 Girls Doubles category. For Minal, this victory marks a significant milestone in her budding sports career. Unlike many competitors, this Telangana native only began her pickleball journey last year. "I first played pickleball when I represented Telangana at the IPA Nationals in Bengaluru, where our team clinched the gold medal by defeating Maharashtra in the finals," Minal shared in an exclusive interview.

Seizing the Opportunity

After that initial success, Minal took a break from the sport. "I didn't play much pickleball for a while after that tournament. I resumed in February this year when I was selected for the Hyderabad Pickleball Club League, and I've been consistently practicing since then," she explained.

Taking A Chance

The Junior Pickleball Championship in Ahmedabad was a groundbreaking event, being the first national competition dedicated to junior players, showcasing some of the brightest young talents from across the country. For Minal and Ashritha, it was a chance to challenge themselves. "When the Junior Pickleball Championship was announced, my partner and I decided to participate and see how we fared against some of the best junior players in India. With good teamwork and regular practice, we managed to secure the title," she noted.

A Unique Experience

This victory was significant not just for the trophy but also due to the high level of competition. "In most local tournaments in Hyderabad, I usually compete against adults or newcomers to pickleball, which is a familiar setting for me. However, at the Junior Pickleball Championship, the competition was much tougher. We faced players our age who had been playing for three to five years," she elaborated. For someone who has recently returned to the sport, this achievement holds special meaning. "Winning against such experienced players made this title particularly special for me. Despite my limited experience, I was able to overcome formidable opponents, making this championship unforgettable," she added.

Beyond the Medal

Minal believes the event underscored the potential for pickleball's future in India. "It was truly amazing because there aren't many junior pickleball players, especially girls and kids my age. Competing alongside so many talented young players was an incredible experience," she remarked. She hopes that the success of this championship will encourage organizers to invest more in junior competitions. "Tournaments like this are crucial since we lack sufficient junior events in India. There are not many competitions with dedicated Under-14, Under-16, or Under-18 categories. This championship demonstrated the wealth of talent among young players. I would love to see more junior tournaments happening regularly, perhaps every month, across different regions of the country. This would provide more children with opportunities to compete and enhance their skills," she expressed.

Support System

Every young athlete has someone who supports them through challenges. For Minal, that person is her father, Vasanth Kalyan. "My dad has been my biggest supporter, always pushing me and believing in my potential. He has attended all my matches and has been there for me throughout my journey. I wouldn't have come this far without his support," she acknowledged.

Balancing Academics and Sports

Outside of pickleball, Minal is a Class 12 student navigating one of the busiest times in her academic life. Balancing her studies with sports can be challenging, though she admits she hasn't found a perfect solution. "Honestly, I’m not sure I have the perfect answer. I just follow my daily routine—attending school, studying when necessary, and fitting in pickleball practice whenever possible. Somehow, it all works out," she shared.

Future Aspirations

This title has not altered her perspective; instead, it has strengthened her ambition to improve. "I aim to enhance my skills and achieve a higher rating in singles. I also want to participate in more tournaments, particularly zonal events. My goal is to keep competing, learning, and refining my game," she stated. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue playing pickleball even after her school years. "In three years, I envision myself in college, continuing to play pickleball as a student-athlete while pursuing my studies. Competing at a high level during college would be one of my biggest long-term aspirations," she concluded. For now, her focus remains clear: keep playing, keep improving, and keep believing—an approach that led a teenager from Telangana to emerge as a national champion at India's first Junior Pickleball Championship.