Veer Shah Triumphs Over Rival Panth Thakkar at Junior Pickleball Championship

In a remarkable display of skill, Veer Shah triumphed over Panth Thakkar to win the Boys Under-16 title at India's inaugural Junior Pickleball Championship. This victory not only avenged previous losses but also showcased Veer's determination and talent. The championship, held at the Dink Masters Academy in Ahmedabad, featured intense matches, culminating in a decisive final where Veer won 21-12. With this win, he levels his rivalry with Panth at 4-4. The event highlights the growing popularity of pickleball in India, supported by the Indian Pickleball Association.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 13, 2026, 13:53 IST

Veer Shah Claims Victory in Boys Under-16 Final

In a thrilling showdown at the inaugural Junior Pickleball Championship held at the Dink Masters Academy in Ahmedabad, Veer Shah emerged victorious against his rival Panth Thakkar, securing the Boys Under-16 title. This PWR 400 tournament marked a significant achievement for Veer, who had previously finished as a runner-up three times at the Sportify Dink Master. Known for his prowess in the U14 Boys Singles and Doubles categories, Veer showcased his skills to clinch the U16 Boys Singles championship.

Previously, Veer faced Panth in three finals during an event in Anand in April, where he suffered defeats in both the Open Men's Singles and Under-19 Men's Doubles. However, in this championship, Veer turned the tables, decisively winning the final with a score of 21-12 against Panth. Vivan Patel secured third place after narrowly defeating Aariv Raj Khanna 15-12.

Both competitors displayed exceptional talent throughout the tournament. Veer started strong, defeating Devansh Menariya 15-3 and later overcoming Arhaan Mehta 21-11. In a tense semifinal, he edged past Vivan with a score of 21-18. Panth, on his part, began his journey with a 15-4 victory over Lakshya Meena and continued his dominance with a 21-11 win against Kaveer Mehta, eventually defeating Aariv 21-14 in the semifinals. This final marked their eighth encounter within a year, with Veer leveling their rivalry at 4-4.

About the Indian Pickleball Association: The Indian Pickleball Association serves as the official governing body for the sport in India, focusing on its promotion and organization nationwide. The association aims to inspire players of all ages and skill levels through events like the IPA Nationals and is affiliated with both the Asian Pickleball Association and the Global Pickleball Federation.

About Pickleball World Ranking: The PWR is a comprehensive national ranking system that encompasses all age groups and skill divisions, including singles, doubles, and mixed formats. It acts as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India, with numerous sanctioned events occurring weekly to identify the top players across the country, forming the basis for team selections at various levels.

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