AIPA announces 34-member Indian junior contingent for 3rd Asian Pickleball Juniors
New Delhi, July 15
The All India Pickleball Association has announced a 34-member Indian junior contingent that will represent India at the third Asian Pickleball Juniors, organised by the Asia Federation of Pickleball.
The prestigious continental championship is part of AFP's flagship Asia Pickleball Junior Open ecosystem, bringing together the finest young pickleball talent from across Asia, according to a press release.
The Indian contingent comprises Shreyas Rajaram, Parth Vijayvargiya, Aarna Chugh, Shlok Bayes, Aarish Aga Choubey, Sahaj Agrawal, Kushi Pawan Reddy, Nischay Pawan Reddy, Likitha Reddy Kolli, Keerthi Y. S., Hithvik Y. S., Jigar Vishwakarma, Ibrahim Poonawala, Aadya Vinod, Sarrah Hakim, Shreshta Manohar, Angel Khokhar, Aryan Deshpande, Hridik Goyal, Aaradhya Satpute, Anjali Pol, Aarav Surve, Arnav Khamkar, Stuti, Kavya Nandardhane, Jay Agrawal, Aditi, Aaron Ernest Ellis, Tejas Nagpal, Hridhan Goenka, Atharv Pandey, Saaish Arora, Shaunac Arora, and Suyash Bhamboria, who will compete across the Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 categories.
Representing states including Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Chandigarh, the contingent reflects the rapid growth of junior pickleball across India and AIPA's continued investment in identifying and nurturing the country's brightest young talent.
The tournament offers Indian juniors a valuable opportunity to compete against the best young players from across Asia, gain exposure to diverse playing styles, and become part of AFP's structured junior ranking and development pathway.
Participation at this premier continental event also strengthens India's presence in the international pickleball ecosystem while creating opportunities for athletes to progress towards future global competitions, including the Pickleball World Championships (Junior/Collegiate).
Supporting the team's international campaign, Skechers India, the official kitting partner of the Indian junior contingent, is providing tournament kits along with high-performance pickleball shoes to all the young athletes, ensuring they are equipped to perform at their best while proudly representing India on the continental stage.
Speaking on the announcement, AIPA President Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo said, "The 3rd Asian Pickleball Juniors is an important milestone in our vision of building a strong international pathway for young Indian players. Competing against the best junior talent in Asia will provide our athletes with invaluable experience, enhance their confidence and accelerate their development."
"At AIPA, we are committed to creating opportunities that enable our players to compete at the highest level while strengthening India's position in the global pickleball community. We sincerely thank Skechers India for partnering with us and supporting our young athletes by providing world-class kits and performance footwear. Such collaborations play an important role in inspiring the next generation and helping them pursue excellence on the international stage," he added.
As the pioneer and premier national governing body for pickleball in India, the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) remains committed to expanding the sport across the country, nurturing the next generation of players, and providing athletes with world-class competitive opportunities and a clear pathway from grassroots development to international success.
— ANI
Reader Comments
It's heartening to see the All India Pickleball Association building a proper pathway for junior players. The partnership with Skechers for kits and shoes is a great step—our kids need proper equipment to compete at the highest level. Wishing the entire contingent the very best! 🇮🇳
Honestly, I hope AIPA focuses on grassroots development too. We see many sports getting attention only at the national level, but talent from smaller cities and towns needs proper coaching and facilities. Let's make sure these kids get consistent support, not just before a tournament.
So happy to see girls like Aarna Chugh, Kushi Reddy, and Sarrah Hakim in the squad! This is a great sign for women's sports in India. Young girls need role models, and these talented players can inspire many others to pick up a paddle. Go girls! 💪
Pickleball is growing fast in India, and it's good to see representation from diverse states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Chandigarh—not just the usual metro cities. This shows the sport is reaching real grassroots. Hope the federation continues to hold more tournaments and camps across the country.
Good to see structured development, but I wish AIPA would also focus on creating more local leagues and tournaments within India so that these young players get more competitive exposure before heading to international events. Despite that, this is a proud moment for Indian sports. All the best, team! 🎉
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