Maharashtra Dominates at the 10th AIPA National Pickleball Championship 2026

The 10th AIPA National Pickleball Championship 2026 took place in Kochi from October 1 to 4, showcasing talent across various age categories. Maharashtra dominated the event, winning multiple medals and claiming the overall championship title. The event highlighted the growing popularity of pickleball in India, with over 1,000 athletes participating. Leaders from AIPA and FPAK expressed pride in the event's success and the sport's expansion. This championship marks a significant step in promoting pickleball across the country.

By Narendra Chaudhary | Oct 7, 2026, 22:30 IST

Overview of the Championship

The 10th AIPA National Pickleball Championship 2026 wrapped up after four days of intense competition from October 1 to 4 in Kochi. This event, organized by the Federation of Pickleball Associations of Kerala (FPAK), marked the first time the championship was held in the state. Athletes from various regions participated in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles across nine age categories, ranging from Under-10 to 60+.

Maharashtra Claims Overall Championship Title

Maharashtra emerged victorious in the Junior/Senior Championship Trophy, securing a total of 12 gold, 11 silver, and 8 bronze medals. Madhya Pradesh followed as the first runners-up with 5 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals, while Tamil Nadu took the second runners-up position with 3 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals, as reported by AIPA.

Veteran Championship Results

In the Veteran Championship, Maharashtra again triumphed, winning 7 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Karnataka secured the first runners-up spot with 4 gold, 7 silver, and 3 bronze, while Madhya Pradesh finished as second runners-up.

Detailed Category Results

Under-10

Aaryav Desai (MAH) clinched the Boys Singles title, followed by Rela Parimi (AP). In Boys Doubles, Agastya Shah and Mahir (MAH) took gold, with Rela Karim and Joseph Katuri (AP) in second place. Sandra Samson (TN) won Girls Singles, while Kiana Tushar Parekh (MAH) secured silver. In Girls Doubles, Deeya Sambari and Kiana Tushar Parekh (MAH) won gold, ahead of Bhavika S and Kruthi Yadav (KAR). In Mixed Doubles, Deeya Sambari and Mahir Desai (MAH) took gold, with Gyananya Gala and Diansh Doshi (MAH) winning silver.

Under-12

Hridan Goenka (CG) won Boys Singles, with Ganith Yogamani (TN) and Sumer Patodia (KAR) following. Mohd. Asad and Shishir Bobilli (MP) took Boys Doubles gold, while Ganithra Yogamani (TN) won Girls Singles gold, ahead of Shivaanya Pardesi (MAH) and Krishna A.C (KER). In Girls Doubles, Ganithra Yogamani and Sandra Samson (TN) won gold, with Ivana P and Krishna AC (KER) in silver.

Under-14

Vidit Panwar (RAJ) won Boys Singles, followed by Aryan Deshpande (MAH) and Dhanwanth Sega (TEL). Ansh Goyal and Jeevansh Agarwal (MP) took Boys Doubles gold. Sanchi Khillare (MAH) won Girls Singles, with Joanna Zara Joseph (KAR) and Mischitha Arutla (TEL) behind her.

Under-16

Md. Hanain (KER) won Boys Singles, followed by Aaditya Chandrawat (RAJ) and Vivaan Joshi (MAH). Madhav Krishnadas and Rifu P M (KER) took Boys Doubles gold. Aardhya Satpute (MAH) won Girls Singles, with Seerat Arora (RAJ) and Varuni Kishore (DEL) behind her.

Under-18

Vishal Nishad (CG) won Boys Singles, followed by Gilash (KER) and Ashish Kumar (BIH). Dishita Banthia (MP) took Girls Singles gold, ahead of Stuti (CDH) and Ira Athayan (MAH).

18+ Open Category

Deepak Paswan (JHAR) won Men’s Singles, with Rajiv Kumar (BIH) and Saujas Pawar (MAH) following. Sara Yadav (MP) won Women’s Singles, with Anuja Maheswari (MAH) and Sanjana Sudir (KER) behind her.

35+ Category

I K Mahajan (MP) won Men’s Singles, followed by Kiran A G (KAR) and Abhishek Bhide (MAH). Sravani Doddala (KAR) won Women’s Singles, with Gayatri Mewada (MAH) and Harjeet Pruthi (KAR) behind her.

50+ Category

Dinesh Thampi Somnath (KAR) won Men’s Singles, followed by Deepak Jain (KAR) and Jaikar Singh (MAH). Sujata Gupta (MAH) won Women’s Singles, with Neetu Sharma (RAJ) and Anupam Ashwath (KAR) behind her.

60+ Category

Rakesh Nathwani (MAH) won Men’s Singles, followed by Ashwani Wadhwa (RAJ) and Sharat Kataria (RAJ). Shunila Kapur (MAH) won Women’s Singles, with Vijaya Maheswari (MAH) and Bindu Banthia (RAJ) behind her.

Statements from AIPA and FPAK Leaders

Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, remarked, "The 10th AIPA Nationals have been a significant milestone for Indian pickleball, uniting athletes nationwide and highlighting the emerging talent across various age groups. Maharashtra's dual championship win showcases the competitive strength of its players, while performances from other states indicate the sport's rapid growth. Our goal is to expand pickleball's reach and strengthen its grassroots, which is why we plan to host future Nationals in Panipat in 2024, Jammu in 2025, and now Kerala in 2026. This approach allows us to create opportunities for athletes and foster local communities, establishing a solid foundation for the sport beyond traditional centers. We appreciate FPAK, our sponsors, and partners for their support in making this event a celebration of competition and the growing pickleball community in India."

Jacob Bijo Daniel, President of FPAK, expressed, "Hosting the 10th AIPA Nationals in Kerala for the first time has been a proud achievement for FPAK. The gathering of over 1,000 athletes and officials from across the country underscores the increasing popularity of pickleball in India. We are thrilled to have provided a platform for young players, senior competitors, and veterans to compete together and create unforgettable sporting moments. We hope this championship marks the start of a stronger pickleball movement in Kerala and encourages more players and communities to embrace the sport."

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