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Key Points

India's No. 8 ranked pickleball player Avinash Kumar credits Picklebay for creating opportunities for emerging talent in the fast-growing sport. The Patna-born athlete, who transitioned from cricket to professional pickleball, highlights the platform's role in improving visibility and infrastructure. Kumar emphasizes pickleball's inclusive nature, combining elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis for all ages. With rigorous training and international experience, he encourages young players to consider pickleball as a viable professional sport.

Key Points: India No 8 Avinash Kumar Calls Picklebay Key for Pickleball Growth

  • Pickleball Asia No. 24 credits Picklebay for rising competition
  • Bihar-born athlete switched from cricket to professional pickleball
  • Highlights sport's inclusivity from ages 8 to 80
  • Notes India's infrastructure progress with more accessible courts
3 min read

India No. 8 Avinash Kumar lauds Picklebay as a launchpad for aspiring talent in pickleball

India's top-ranked pickleball player Avinash Kumar praises Picklebay for nurturing talent and expanding the sport's reach across the country.

"Picklebay gives young athletes the visibility they need - Avinash Kumar"

New Delhi, June 10

As Pickleball continues its remarkable rise in India, Picklebay has emerged as a promising new platform for players across the country to compete, grow, and get noticed, according to a release from AIPA.

Among the top contenders at the Picklebay India Tour is 24-year-old Avinash Kumar, currently ranked No. 8 in India and 24th in Asia in men's singles (as per the DUPR rankings).

Avinash, who recently clinched the silver medal in the Men's Open Singles category at the Mumbai leg of the Picklebay India Tour, believes the Tournament Series is setting a new benchmark for the sport in India.

"Picklebay is a fantastic platform, especially for new and emerging players. It gives us the opportunity to play across different states and helps young athletes get the visibility they need. The format and professionalism here make it a tournament that will definitely grow bigger with time," Avinash Kumar said.

Hailing from Patna, Bihar, Avinash's sporting journey began in cricket before he stumbled upon pickleball through a newspaper article around eight years ago. "I googled it, connected with Bihar Pickleball Association's Secretary, Ranjan Gupta sir, who introduced me to the game, and that's where it all began," he recalls.

What started in a small local academy has since evolved into a full-time sporting pursuit, with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) now backing him as a sponsored athlete.

With a rigorous training schedule of nearly 5-6 hours a day, Avinash has already represented India internationally in multiple tournaments. Reflecting on the difference between international and Indian circuits, he noted, "India has made great progress in infrastructure. Courts are becoming more accessible, especially with platforms like Picklebay. The level of competition is also rising steadily."

He sees pickleball as one of the most inclusive sports today. "Pickleball is special because it combines the best of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Anyone from age 8 to 80 can enjoy it. It's cost-effective, easy to pick up, and now with more courts coming up in buildings and communities, it's growing organically."

Avinash also had a message for the next generation, "Young players should seriously consider pickleball as a professional sport. The growth opportunities are real. If you work hard and perform, you'll get recognition--not just in India, but internationally too."

As Picklebay continues its India Tour, players like Avinash are proving just how impactful this Tournament Series can be in shaping the future of pickleball in the country.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
So proud to see Indian athletes excelling in new sports! 🎾 Pickleball seems like a great mix of different racquet sports. More power to Avinash and Picklebay for creating opportunities. Hope to see this sport in school curriculums soon!
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Priya M.
As someone from Bihar, it's inspiring to see talent emerging from our state beyond cricket! Avinash's journey shows how proper platforms can nurture sporting talent across India. Though I wonder - are there enough coaching facilities outside major cities?
S
Sanjay T.
Great initiative! But I hope the focus remains on grassroots development. We've seen many sports become elite-centric. Pickleball should stay accessible to common people with proper public courts in parks and housing societies.
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Ananya R.
Love how pickleball is inclusive for all ages! My 65-year-old father and 12-year-old niece both enjoy playing. More awareness needed though - many still confuse it with actual pickle vendors 😂 Kudos to Picklebay for professionalizing the sport!
V
Vikram S.
While this is exciting, I hope the government supports such emerging sports with proper funding. We can't always depend on private platforms. Sports ministry should include pickleball in Khelo India program to nurture young talent nationwide.
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Neha P.
Played pickleball last weekend - such a fun workout! But equipment is still expensive for beginners. Hope with growing popularity, Indian manufacturers will make affordable paddles and balls. Wishing Avinash success in upcoming tournaments! 🇮🇳

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