India's Unbeaten Streak Continues at Pickleball World Cup in Vietnam

India Advances to Quarter-Finals at Pickleball World Cup

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], September 4: The Indian team has maintained its unbeaten record after the second day of the team event at the ongoing Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, which runs until September 6.

Having successfully reached the quarter-finals, India is set to face the strong USA team.

The Indian professional squad, featuring Harsh Mehta, Arjun Singh, Anish Froilan, Aman Patel, Pearl Amalsadiwala, Naomi Amalsadiwala, Aaliya Ebrahim, and Mihika Yadav, triumphed over China in the round of 32 with a decisive score of 4-0.

Pearl Amalsadiwala and Mihika Yadav kicked off the match with a close win of 21-19, followed by Harsh Mehta and Arjun Singh securing another point for India. In the third tie, Harsh Mehta and Pearl Amalsadiwala clinched a tough match, allowing Arjun Singh and Mihika Yadav to seal the victory against the Chinese team.

Pearl Amalsadiwala expressed her satisfaction with the team's performance and their advancement to the quarter-finals, commending Harsh Mehta's leadership. She stated, "I am thrilled with how we executed our strategies and made it to the quarter-finals. Playing alongside Mihika and Harsh has been an incredible experience, and Harsh's leadership has been crucial. I am eager for the upcoming quarter-final challenge."

The round of 16 presented a challenging matchup against the Philippines, but India emerged victorious with a score of 4-1. The women's doubles team of Pearl and Mihika once again secured the first point, while the men's doubles fought hard but lost the second tie 19-21. The subsequent mixed doubles matches went in India's favor, with Aaliya Ebrahim dominating her opponent 21-12, propelling India into the quarter-finals.

Aalap Sharma, Treasurer of the Indian Pickleball Association, remarked, "Tomorrow, our Kids, Juniors, Open, and Masters (60+) teams will enter the quarter-finals with unwavering determination. Each player is giving their all, playing with heart and pride for our nation. Witnessing their dedication fills us with joy and pride, reinforcing our belief that nothing surpasses the sight of India succeeding."

Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association, congratulated all teams, stating, "Reaching the quarter-finals is a significant achievement for Team India, and the entire Indian Pickleball Association supports them as they aim for the final stages of the tournament. Every player has contributed effectively and embraced their responsibilities for the team."

The India Masters, Junior, and Kids squads have all advanced to the quarter-finals against Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, and Australia, respectively. Unfortunately, the India Senior team was eliminated by New Zealand in the round of 16, concluding their campaign in this World Cup edition.

The India Masters team narrowly defeated China in the round of 16, winning the final tie with a score of 3-2, thanks to a dominant performance by Bhushan Akut and Petulia Balaji, who won 21-9 in the decider.