Emerging Star Panth Thakkar Set to Shine at India's First Junior Pickleball Championship
Panth Thakkar: A Rising Talent in Pickleball
The inaugural Junior Pickleball Championship in India is set to kick off on June 12 at Dinkers Academy in Ahmedabad, showcasing the nation's promising young talent. Among the standout players is Panth Thakkar, a teenager from Gujarat who has garnered attention for his exceptional skills, composure, and maturity on the court. Analysts are already heralding him as a potential future star.
Heading into the Junior Championship, which doubles as the selection trials for the Pickleball World Cup, Panth is riding high on his recent successes, having clinched gold medals in both the Open Men's Singles and Under-19 Men's Doubles at the Sportify Dink Master in Anand last month. This achievement has brought his total gold medal count to seven.
Panth began his pickleball journey in 2025, making his debut at the Monsoon Pickleball Championship in Navi Mumbai. His transition into the sport has been remarkably smooth, and in less than a year, he has established himself as one of India's top prospects in the Under-18 category, leveraging the skills he developed as a badminton player.
His recent victories have given him a 4-3 advantage in head-to-head matches against fellow player Veer Shah, who is also a promising talent. Demonstrating his dedication, Panth has opted for home schooling to allocate more time for training.
Competing in all three categories at the Junior Championship will enhance his chances of being selected for the Indian team and making his World Cup debut. "I first picked up a pickleball paddle only a year ago," Panth shared.
Before embracing pickleball, he played youth football for Gujarat at the national level and badminton at the state level. The growing popularity of pickleball in Ahmedabad drew him to the sport, and he quickly adapted, showcasing impressive court coverage and agility.
Panth is focused on qualifying for the Pickleball World Cup, scheduled to take place in Da Nang from August 30 to September 6. "I believe I should be selected for the Indian squad and aim to make a significant impact for my team and make my parents and country proud," he expressed.
Strong Foundations from Badminton
His background in badminton has provided him with a solid foundation, aiding his swift adaptation to pickleball. "Badminton helps me because the footwork is similar in pickleball," he noted. When asked why he chose pickleball over badminton, he replied, "I chose pickleball because it is a growing sport in India, and I enjoy playing it, making a significant impact in the process."
His formal introduction to pickleball was quite serendipitous; while participating in a local tournament, he received encouragement from various sources to pursue the sport more seriously. This led him to join the Dinkers Pickleball Academy in Ahmedabad in 2025.
Facing the Competition
Despite the strong talent pool in India's sub-junior and junior categories, Panth remains unfazed by the competition. His recent performance at the Sportify Dink Master showcased his current form, and he has previously defeated Arjun Singh, a notable player in the Indian Pickleball League, twice.
Panth is confident in his training efforts, believing they will help him qualify. He credits his coach, Dhiren Patel, for his guidance and support. "He has provided me with invaluable advice, and I have demonstrated my hard work in domestic tournaments, which I believe will lead me to the World Cup," he stated.
Preparing for the Challenge Ahead
As a young player, Panth understands the immense challenge he will face if he qualifies for the World Cup, especially against the host nation Vietnam, which boasts a deep talent pool. His experience at the US Open Pickleball Championship, where he secured a silver medal in men's doubles and a bronze in mixed doubles, will be beneficial.
Supported by his parents, Panth is fully committed to his preparation for the upcoming event. "My parents have always encouraged me and push me to excel," he said. Currently, he trains twice a day for six hours, focusing on refining his skills and adding new variations to his game.
"I am currently working on my backhand slice and improving my returns for singles and doubles, while also focusing on drop shots rather than drives," he explained.
Future Aspirations
Training alongside fellow players at the Dinkers Academy has elevated his game. "It helps me a lot because we face greater competition and play against various styles," he remarked. With the professional landscape of pickleball evolving rapidly in the US and Asia, Panth is also eyeing a professional contract. "I aspire to compete in the PPA Tour, MLP, and the Indian Pickleball League in the next two to three years, as they feature top players from around the world," he concluded.