Anushka Chhabria Shines at India's First Junior Pickleball Championship
An Impressive Medal Haul
Anushka Chhabria made a remarkable entrance in Ahmedabad, emerging as a notable contender in junior pickleball. She returned home with an impressive collection of two gold medals, one silver, and one bronze. At the inaugural Junior Pickleball Championship in India, the young athlete from Mumbai showcased her talent by clinching the U16 Girls Doubles title with partner Mahika Rathod and the U16 Mixed Doubles title alongside Panth Thakkar. Reflecting on her achievements, Chhabria expressed, "This means a lot to me. Competing against talented junior players from across the nation was challenging, and none of the medals were easily won. The tournament was filled with tough matches, but it was also incredibly enjoyable." She emphasized that these medals symbolize her dedication, preparation, and the teamwork she shared with her partners. "It was a proud moment, and I truly appreciate the effort it took to achieve this," she added.
The Key to Success: Teamwork
The Chemistry Behind Two Gold Medals
Securing a title at a national event is no small feat, but winning two requires exceptional consistency, adaptability, and trust. For Chhabria, the secret to her success lay in her partnerships. "Winning both the U16 Girls Doubles and U16 Mixed Doubles titles was largely due to the chemistry I had with my partners," she explained. Her collaboration with Mahika Rathod was particularly fruitful. "In the Girls Doubles, we won every match thanks to our consistent play, clear strategies, and execution. Our main goal was to enjoy the game and perform our best." This same mindset applied to her mixed doubles experience. "With Panth Thakkar, we maintained great chemistry and focused on having fun on the court. Even when we faced challenges, we reminded ourselves that every point was a fresh start. We encountered tough matches, but we persevered. I believe our synergy was crucial to our victories."
A Landmark Event for Indian Pickleball
A Historic Tournament
The championship marked a significant milestone for pickleball in India, uniting junior players from various regions and showcasing the sport's burgeoning talent. "Being part of this event was special. It was one of the first tournaments of its kind, featuring players from all over the country. The level of talent was impressive, and it was exciting to see many newcomers in the sport," Chhabria noted. The tournament offered more than just medals; it provided thrilling matches, many of which were decided by Golden Points, intensifying the competition. "It was fantastic to witness more individuals embracing pickleball and competing," she added.
Balancing Life as a Student and Athlete
Student, Athlete and Musician
Outside of pickleball, Chhabria is a Class 10 student juggling numerous responsibilities. "It's quite challenging to manage school, tuitions, coaching, and fitness training," she shared. Additionally, she is passionate about music, playing the piano, guitar, and ukulele, along with singing. "Balancing everything would be tough without my parents' support. They help me manage my time effectively," she said.
Encouraging Future Generations
A Message to Future Players
As junior pickleball continues to grow in India, Chhabria encourages more young players, especially girls, to participate. "Pickleball is a fun sport that demands hard work. There’s immense potential for growth in this sport," she stated. Her advice is simple: "I urge everyone to try pickleball. Once you start, it’s hard to stop because it’s so engaging. It’s a fantastic sport that imparts valuable lessons both on and off the court." After a week filled with four medals and two national titles, Chhabria has every reason to embrace this lesson herself.
A Year of Achievements
A Year of Consistency and Growth
Anushka's triumph at the Junior Pickleball Championship is just one highlight of her impressive 2026 season, which has solidified her status as one of India's top junior players. In March 2026, she was honored by the Cricket Club of India (CCI) for her exceptional performances on the international stage during the 2025-26 season. At the Indian Open in Hyderabad in April, she secured gold medals in both the Under-16 Girls Singles and Under-16 Girls Doubles categories, along with a bronze in Mixed Doubles. She continued her success at the Maharashtra Open in Mumbai in May, winning gold in the Under-16 Girls Singles and Under-16 Mixed Doubles events, and adding a bronze in the Women's Singles Intermediate category. These achievements have propelled her to the top of the PWR Rankings in the Under-16 Girls Singles category, where she currently holds the No. 1 national ranking.