The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) proudly announced that Team India is ready to compete at the Asian Junior Pickleball Championship, scheduled to be held in Vietnam from July 13 to 16, 2025. Comprising 32 promising young athletes, the Indian contingent will participate across Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 categories, marking another major step in India’s rapid ascent in international pickleball.
Following an impressive showing at the previous edition of the championship, where Indian juniors clinched multiple medals, this year’s team enters with high hopes and a stronger sense of purpose. The squad includes athletes from across the nation — including Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar — a reflection of how the sport has flourished at the grassroots level in every corner of the country.
To honor the spirit and commitment of these young athletes, AIPA organized a grand flag-off ceremony on July 11, 2025. The event was graced by Mr. Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers, alongside Mr. Sunil Valavalkar, who introduced the sport of pickleball to India in 2007, as Chief Guest were former Indian cricketer Mr. Pravin Amre. Also in attendance was Ms. Mandira Bedi, AIPA’s Pickleball Brand Ambassador, whose presence and words of encouragement ignited excitement and pride among the players.
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The Indian squad includes standout talents such as Arav Surve and Arnav Khamkar in the Under-12 Boys, Adiya Vinod in the Under-12 Girls, Aarish Aga Chaubey and Aaradhya Satpute in the Under-14 categories, and several formidable contenders in the Under-16 and Under-18 divisions like Jigar Vishwakarma, Shreyas Rajaram, Avya Nandargame, Parth Vijayvargiya, Anjali Pol, and Aditya Gupta — all ready to give their best on the Asian stage.
Mr. Sunil Valavalkar Aipa, Founder and Senior Vice President of AIPA, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the mission behind AIPA’s continued grassroots efforts. “We have always believed that the future of Indian pickleball lies in its youth. These young athletes represent not just talent, but also the dreams of millions who are discovering this sport across the country. I’m proud of how far we’ve come — and even prouder of where this new generation will take us,” he stated.
As Team India departs for Vietnam, the nation watches with anticipation and pride, united in cheering for its young pickleball stars aiming to bring home glory.
The Sportz Planet Desk
