India's Senior Pickleball Teams Announced for World Cup 2026
India's Participation in the Pickleball World Cup
The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), which serves as the National Sports Federation for pickleball in India, has revealed the senior teams for the 50+ and 60+ age divisions on Tuesday, July 21. These teams are set to compete in the upcoming Pickleball World Cup, taking place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6.
Leading the 50+ category is Nitten Kirtane, a former Indian tennis player and two-time gold medalist at the Pickleball World Cup. Based in Pune, Kirtane aims to defend his titles in both the men's singles and doubles events. The 50+ squad also includes notable players such as Atul Edward, Akhil Mathur, Nilesh Desai, Kiran Salian, Gaurika Chopra, Pearline Roopkumar, and Kavita Khanna, all of whom are eager to enhance India's medal count at the championship.
In the 60+ category, Bhushan Akut will lead the team, which features Ashok Rohira, Ajeet Bharadwaj, Shakuntala Devnani, and Petulia Balaji, each set to represent India in their respective events at the World Cup.
Manish Rao has been designated as the coach and manager for both the 50+ and 60+ teams. Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, the president of the IPA, expressed confidence in the teams' abilities, stating, "Da Nang will be a true proving ground, and we have full confidence that this team will play with immense passion, carry the tricolour with pride, and inspire countless young kids back home to pick up a paddle. The Indian Pickleball Association is dedicated to fostering excellence in pickleball both domestically and internationally."
Previously, the IPA had announced the junior (U18), kids (U14), and open squads, bringing the total number of Indian participants to 33.
Indian Squads for the Pickleball World Cup 2026
Open Squad: Harsh Mehta (captain), Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian, Aman Patel, Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, and Naomi Amalsadiwala.
Under-18 (Junior) Squad: Arjun Singh (captain), Aditya Singh, Dev Shah, Naomi Amalsadiwala, Purvansh Patel, Vivaan Patel, Ashritha Raju, and Diya Mattipati.
Under-14 (Kids) Squad: Veer Shah (captain), Viransh Chopra, Aarin Ballani, Mahika Rathod, Maansi Kartik, and Aashritaa S.
50+ (Senior) Squad: Nitten Kirtane (captain), Atul Edward, Akhil Mathur, Nilesh Desai, Kiran Salian, Gaurika Chopra, Pearline Roopkumar, and Kavita Khanna.
60+ (Senior) Squad: Bhushan Akut (captain), Ashok Rohira, Ajeet Bharadwaj, Shakuntala Devnani, and Petulia Balaji.