Aashna Pednekar Excels at Picklebay Zonals - West in Pune
Aashna Pednekar's Experience at the Tournament
Aashna Pednekar recently participated in the Open Women’s Singles category at the Picklebay Zonals - West held in Pune, where she noted the increasing competitiveness of the sport. In an interview with a sports outlet after her match, she shared her enthusiasm about competing in this tournament for the first time. "I’m really excited to be playing here, it’s my first time. The management has been great, the competition has been tough… I’m having fun," she expressed.
Pednekar mentioned that she had been training for several weeks in preparation for the event. "I’ve been practicing for the last few weeks preparing for this," she said. She also discussed her transition to pickleball, attributing her swift adaptation to her extensive background in tennis. "I used to play tennis for many years, so that transition made it a bit easier for pickleball," she explained, noting that she has been engaged in the sport for about a year.
Reflecting on the sport's rapid expansion, she observed the growing level of competition and the arrival of new players. "In this tournament alone, I’ve seen a lot of new faces… the competition is getting tougher," Pednekar remarked. She further emphasized how the standard of play has advanced significantly in a short time. "I started off a year ago and it was kind of easy to win… and now it’s harder," she added.
The Picklebay Zonals - West, a five-day event in Pune, featured a prize pool of Rs 15 lakh and attracted around 700 participants competing in over 25 categories. This tournament provided players with the chance to earn ranking points and gain recognition in India’s burgeoning pickleball community.
About the Indian Pickleball Association: The Indian Pickleball Association serves as the official governing body for the sport in India, focusing on its promotion, development, and organization across the nation. The association aims to inspire players of all ages and skill levels 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 divisions, 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 throughout the country, PWR identifies the top Indian players at every level and lays the groundwork for team selection at various stages, including school, district, state, and national levels.
Stay updated with the latest news on pickleball, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, tips, and inspiration. Your ultimate destination for all things pickleball – where the community unites for news, views, and the sport that's gaining popularity worldwide. Follow us on Instagram at @pickleballnow.in and visit our website to be part of the community!