India’s first-ever International Padel Team made great times at the very first Asia Pacific Padel Cup, finishing third. The tournament took place in Bali, Indonesia, from September 19, 2024 to September 22, 2024.
India blanked Malaysia 3-0 in the bronze medal playoffs . The Indian team finished behind champions Philippines and runners-up Indonesia in a very competitive six-nation event. The other teams competing were China, Malaysia and Singapore.
Preparation and Leadership
Under the inspirational guidance of coach Imran Yusoof and manager Rithik Sinha, the Indian team has completed stringent four-day training at JSW Inspire Institute in Vijayanagar under Spanish head coach Victor Perez and has now entered history by securing India’s place on the international padel scene.
The Bronze Medal Playoff
It was Aryan Goveas and Rahul Motwani who set the tone for the rest of the matches as they gave a nail-biting victory at 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 in the very first match of the bronze playoff. Tulsi Mehta and Vaibhavi Deshmukh then sent out a strong signal riding to a 6-2, 7-6 (1) victory while Jenai Billimoria and Johan Fernandes did not have to break a sweat as they rode to a comprehensive 6-0, 6-1 victory while clinching the outcome of the tie at 3-0.
Support From The Sponsors
The team was given great support by sponsors including PadelPark India, JSW Inspire Institute, Godrej Properties, Akbar Travels, Akbar Holidays, Babolat, and Dream Set Go, marking India’s impressive debut on the international padel map.
The Sportz Planet Desk,
Atharva Shetye
