Indian players chase global glory at upcoming world event
Indian athletes are gearing up for a major international push as the formal selection process begins to assemble the national squad for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup 2026. Scheduled to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6, this tournament represents a major step forward for the sport in India. The national governing body plans to field candidates across multiple divisions, including Open, 50+, 60+, and Junior categories.
Performance at the official National Championships and the upcoming Picklebay Zonals will dictate who makes the final cut. This systematic approach follows India's breakout performance at the previous world tournament in the United States, where the country secured 25 medals and placed seventh overall. Notably, India was the sole Asian country to secure a spot in the top ten during that global event.
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the national association, emphasized that the selection strategy aims to elevate this established benchmark. To secure a spot, players must demonstrate top-tier global rankings alongside exceptional physical fitness. Shortlisted athletes must also sign formal performance agreements ensuring strict medical transparency and adherence to a strict code of conduct.
Younger athletes have a distinct path to the global stage. Dedicated junior selection trials will take place in Ahmedabad from June 12 to June 14 to lock in the youth division. This grassroots focus mirrors the rising popularity of racket sports across India, especially in states like Odisha, where community sports infrastructure has seen rapid development over few months.
Financial backing for the elite Open category has been secured through a strategic partnership with the Lucknow Leopards, a prominent franchise in the domestic professional league. This corporate alignment aims to bridge the gap between domestic tournament success and international podium finishes, ensuring players receive proper resources during their campaign in Vietnam.
With Inputs from Agency Threads and Image courtesy: ANI
