The Unsung Heroes of Indian Pickleball: Mothers Supporting Young Athletes
Mothers: The Backbone of Young Athletes
During the IPA Nationals held in November 2025 at the Sports School near Bengaluru, the spotlight was not solely on the players. On the sidelines, a dedicated support system was evident, with mothers actively involved in their children's journeys. One mother was seen holding a water bottle, while another reminded her child to eat. Homemade snacks were being shared, and massages were given to soothe tired muscles. These mothers play a crucial role in nurturing young athletes as they embark on their sporting journeys.
In the realm of Indian pickleball, mothers serve as the silent yet powerful supporters behind a burgeoning generation of athletes. While fathers often manage the financial aspects, it is the mothers who take on multiple roles—caretakers, motivators, nutritionists, and emotional anchors—ensuring their children have the support they need to chase their dreams.
A Mother's Commitment
Payal Shah, mother of Under-14 boys’ singles national champion Veer Shah, exemplifies this dedication. She is a familiar face at pickleball events, always by her son’s side, ensuring he stays hydrated and well-fed while providing constant encouragement during matches and training sessions. Payal’s commitment is deeply personal; as a former volleyball player who faced financial hurdles, she is determined to support Veer in ways she could not pursue her own dreams.
“I want to ensure my son doesn’t have to make the sacrifices I did,” Payal shared. “I want him to be proud of his achievements in India.” Her unwavering support has already yielded results, as Veer recently won multiple medals at the Pickleball World Cup and was named Most Valuable Player, a moment that filled Payal with pride.
Balancing Roles in Pickleball
Monica Menon, a prominent figure in Delhi’s pickleball scene, embodies the multifaceted nature of motherhood in sports. As a player, coach, and organizer, she has initiated the Parent and Child Challenger Cup, designed to strengthen the bond between parents and their children through sport. For Monica, pickleball transcends mere competition; it fosters relationships and personal growth.
She believes that the sport's growth hinges on parental involvement, stating that parents play a crucial role in encouraging their children to engage in sports. Monica’s coaching philosophy is rooted in recognizing potential and promoting a healthy lifestyle through pickleball.
Emotional Support and Growth
For Prathna Chhabria from Mumbai, the journey of her daughter Anushka, a rising star in pickleball, is about more than just medals. Anushka’s achievements, including five medals at the Pickleball World Cup, fill Prathna with pride, but it’s her daughter’s character development that truly matters to her.
“Pickleball has instilled discipline and resilience in her,” Prathna noted. However, managing expectations and public scrutiny can be challenging, especially for young athletes.
The Dual Identity of Motherhood and Sport
Shraddha Damani, a well-known pickleball player and mother of two, emphasizes the synergy between her roles as an athlete and a parent. She believes that motherhood has made her more resilient and patient, while sports have taught her discipline and the importance of leading by example.
She encourages other mothers not to abandon their passions due to family responsibilities, asserting that pursuing personal dreams can inspire children to follow their own aspirations.
Celebrating Mothers in Pickleball
On Mother’s Day, the true essence of Indian pickleball may not just be the athletes on the podium, but the mothers who wear many hats—supporters, coaches, and mentors—shaping the future of the sport.