Young Pickleball Star Aarin Ballani to Represent India at World Cup

Aarin Ballani's Selection for the World Cup

Aarin Ballani, a seventh-grade student from The Ardee School in Goa, has earned the opportunity to represent India at the upcoming Pickleball World Cup, set to take place in Vietnam in August 2026. His selection follows an impressive performance at the National Junior Pickleball Championships held in Ahmedabad, organized by the Indian Pickleball Association, the sport's governing body in India.

Outstanding Performance at the National Championships

In the Under-12 category, Aarin showcased his exceptional skills by clinching gold medals in all three events he participated in: U-12 Singles, U-12 Boys Doubles, and U-12 Mixed Doubles. Additionally, he triumphed in the U-14 Boys Doubles event, competing against older players and exhibiting remarkable skill and maturity.

Aarin's Consistent Excellence

Aarin has established himself as one of the most promising young pickleball talents in Goa. Over the past year, he has represented his state in various national competitions, consistently performing well against older competitors. Notably, at the 9th All India Pickleball Association Nationals in Jammu in 2025, he reached the semifinals in the U-14 Boys Singles and advanced to the quarterfinals in the U-16 Boys Doubles, demonstrating his ability to compete across different age categories.

Excitement for the World Cup

Aarin expressed his enthusiasm about representing India, stating, "It is an honour to be selected to represent India at the Pickleball World Cup. I am thankful to my coaches, parents, and The Ardee School for their unwavering support. Winning four gold medals at the national championships has boosted my confidence, and I am eager to compete against some of the best young players globally and give my best for India."

Support from The Ardee School

The Ardee School expressed immense pride in Aarin's accomplishments and is dedicated to supporting students in their pursuit of excellence beyond academics. The school community is excited to back Aarin as he prepares for the World Cup and represents India in Vietnam later this year.

The Rise of Pickleball in Goa

As pickleball continues to grow rapidly in India, Aarin's achievements highlight the sport's increasing popularity among young athletes and the emerging talent from Goa.