In a tournament where the best of Asia came together to celebrate sport, skill, and spirit, the Indian flag soared the highest. At the Asia Pickleball Open 2025—held in the vibrant coastal city of Pattaya, Thailand—athletes representing Globalsports India delivered a performance that will be remembered for the medals won and the heart with which they played.
Held under the banner of the prestigious World Pickleball Series, the tournament brought together Asia’s finest athletes, competing across three intense categories—Intermediate (3.5), Advanced (4.5), and Professional (5.0). Each player arrived with a common purpose: to carry the hopes of their nation onto the international stage. Amidst this fierce competition, it was the Indian team that truly captured hearts—not just for their victories but for the deep emotion, determination, and unwavering spirit that defined every step of their journey.
Behind every smash, every rally, and every serve was a story of commitment. For the Indian contingent, this was more than a sports tournament—it was a mission. And they fulfilled it with poise and passion that inspired every spectator, both in the stands and watching from afar.
At the heart of this campaign were three names that will be etched in the history of Indian pickleball—Himanshu Deveskar, Mihika Yadav, and Shraddha Damani.
HIMANSHU DEVESKAR: A VETERAN’S GOLDEN MOMENT
A name already respected in the 35+ category, Himanshu’s journey in Pattaya was spectacular. Teaming up with Indonesia’s Ign Alit in the 35+ Open Men’s Doubles, Himanshu played with the confidence of a seasoned champion and the energy of a newcomer hungry for glory. The result? A dominant 21-4 win that secured India’s first gold at the event.
But he wasn’t done. In the 35+ Open Men’s Singles, Himanshu delivered another commanding performance, winning 21-15 and securing a second gold medal.
“Winning two golds at such a prestigious tournament is an incredible feeling,” Himanshu shared, his voice filled with pride. “Every point felt like it carried the hopes of everyone back home. I wasn’t just playing for myself—I was playing for India.”
His words captured the emotion felt by the entire team. These victories weren’t just personal milestones—they were national statements.
MIHIKA YADAV: A FIGHTER ON FOREIGN SOIL
Former tennis prodigy Mihika Yadav, who has graced courts at all four Junior Grand Slams, brought her fierce competitive spirit to the pickleball court. Competing in the 19+ Open Women’s Singles, she battled through intense matches before finishing with a silver medal, narrowly missing gold in a hard-fought 17-21 final.
Her journey from tennis to pickleball is a story of transformation, but her hunger for excellence has remained unchanged. Her graceful yet aggressive gameplay won her many fans in Pattaya, and her silver medal was a shining symbol of what India’s young talent can achieve with grit and focus.
SHRADDHA DAMANI: THE STAR WHO SHONE BRIGHTEST
If there was one athlete whose racquet seemed to speak the loudest on the court, it was Shraddha Damani. A former top-ranked U-16 Indian tennis player and ex-ITF world junior, Shraddha brought a commanding presence to every match she played.
In the 35+ Women’s Singles (Advanced 4.5), she stormed to a 21-3 gold medal victory. Her game was a masterclass in dominance. But her journey didn’t stop there.
In the highly competitive 35+ Women’s Singles (Professional 5.0), Shraddha showcased her stamina and technique, ultimately securing a bronze medal after a close 11-8 result. Adding to her medal tally, she partnered with Hemal Jain in the 35+ Mixed Doubles (Advanced 4.5) to win another gold with a 21-9 victory.
“The competition was fierce,” Shraddha admitted. “But every game, every moment, we told ourselves—we’re here to bring India’s name to the top.”
GLOBALSPORTS INDIA: BUILDING CHAMPIONS, ONE STEP AT A TIME
The success in Pattaya is not a coincidence but the result of vision, structure, and relentless commitment. Hemal Jain, the founder of Globalsports India, expressed his pride in the results and the journey that led to them.
“Our dream has always been to put India on the world pickleball map,” he said. “These athletes have shown what is possible when talent meets opportunity. We are not just creating medalists—we are building champions.”
Globalsports India’s training, development, and exposure efforts are now paying off. The organization’s dedication to nurturing talent is changing the landscape of Indian pickleball, and the results in Pattaya are proof of that.
THE EMOTIONS BEHIND THE GLORY
What moved spectators wasn’t just the scorelines—the heart behind every point. From the first serve, Indian athletes demonstrated poise under pressure, technical brilliance, and unwavering belief. Every time the crowd erupted in cheers, it was more than support—a celebration of hope, resilience, and the spirit of a nation on the rise.
The Asia Pickleball Open 2025 wasn’t just a tournament. It was a declaration. A declaration that India is no longer just making appearances in international pickleball—it is here to lead.
THE RIPPLE EFFECT: A NEW WAVE OF ASPIRATIONS
This extraordinary performance has inspired athletes, coaches, and fans nationwide. The medals won by Himanshu, Mihika, and Shraddha are now symbols of what can be achieved when dreams are matched by discipline.
Plans are underway to launch more training camps, grassroots programs, and international partnerships. With initiatives driven by organizations like Globalsports India, the country is preparing for a long and successful innings in the global pickleball circuit.
“Our dream has always been to put India on the world pickleball map,” he said. “These athletes have shown what is possible when talent meets opportunity. We are not just creating medalists—we are building champions”
LOOKING BACK AT WPC 2024: THE SPARK THAT STARTED THE FIRE
India’s rise in pickleball did not begin in Pattaya this year. At the WPC Series 2024 Asia Pickleball Open, also held in Thailand, Indian athletes had already made their presence felt with six medals under the banner of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA):
- 🥇 Gold – Open Men’s Doubles: Tejas Mahajan & Vanshik Kapadia
- 🥇 Gold – Team Event: Led by Vanshik Kapadia, Tejas Mahajan, Kuldip Mahajan, Himansh Mehta, and others
- 🥈 Silver – Open Mixed Doubles: Mayur Patil & Isha Lakhani
- 🥉 Bronze – Open Mixed Doubles: Kuldip Mahajan & Hong Yi Wong
- 🥉 Bronze – Open Women’s Doubles: Isha Lakhani & Vrushali Thakare
- 🥉 Bronze – 35+ Mixed Doubles: Isha Lakhani & Martin Clark
Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA and the International Pickleball Federation, said, “Our players showed tremendous resilience and sportsmanship. This is just the beginning of India’s rise in international pickleball.”
A NATION AWAKENS TO A NEW DREAM
India’s campaign at the Asia Pickleball Open 2025 has become more than a sports story—it is a national moment. The tricolour waving in Pattaya was more than a flag. It was a symbol of belief, unity, and ambition.
As the athletes return home with their medals, they also bring back something even more valuable—hope.
