Manaswinee Hazarika Shines at Picklebay Zonals North with Gold and Bronze Medals

Manaswinee Hazarika's Impressive Performance

Manaswinee Hazarika has made significant strides in the Indian pickleball scene, particularly at the recent Picklebay Zonals North. The athlete from Assam excelled by securing one gold and two bronze medals during a challenging week of competition. This tournament also served as a senior selection trial for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup.

Hazarika clinched gold in the Intermediate Women's Doubles category and added bronze medals in both the 30+ Women's Singles and 30+ Women's Doubles events. This achievement marks a pivotal moment in what has been a remarkable year for her, as she has transitioned from tennis to become a prominent figure in the national pickleball circuit. Recently, she also achieved a Triple Crown at the Madhya Pradesh Open and has consistently earned medals in various PWR tournaments.

Reflecting on her performance, Hazarika noted the challenging conditions in Gurgaon, stating, "It was definitely a tough day at work. The heat made it quite challenging." Despite competing in multiple categories, she expressed particular satisfaction with her doubles play. "I think my singles game is something I still want to improve. Not necessarily starting from scratch, but I definitely want to enhance my singles skills," she added.

Hazarika expressed her happiness with her doubles performance, especially in the Intermediate category, where she noted the fast-paced nature of rally scoring. "We managed to close out all our matches comfortably, and I'm very happy with that," she remarked. Her confidence was evident throughout the tournament, and she acknowledged that her frequent participation in high-level competitions has positively impacted her mindset. "Now I know how to play under pressure. That's one thing that has changed for sure," she explained.

With regular exposure to top-tier players, Hazarika has become less intimidated by big names in the sport. "That's probably been one of the biggest differences in my mindset," she stated. The Picklebay Zonals North holds added importance this year, as selectors are closely observing performances in preparation for the Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, scheduled from August 30 to September 6. For Hazarika, her results in Gurgaon signify another crucial step in her rapidly advancing career, as she continues to accumulate medals, experience, and confidence with each tournament.