East Zone Pickleball Championship: A Platform for Rising Talent and Professional Growth

The 4th East Zone Pickleball Championship 2025 concluded with remarkable performances from athletes, underscoring the sport's expansion in the region. AIPA's initiatives, including a Coaches and Referee Clinic, emphasize grassroots development and professional growth, marking a progressive shift in Indian pickleball.

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) heralded the successful conclusion of the 4th East Zone Pickleball Championship 2025, which showcased stellar performances from athletes throughout the region. Participants from Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and more displayed enthusiastic participation, underlining the burgeoning popularity of pickleball in the East Zone.

The event highlighted exceptional talent in various categories. Rajiv Kumar emerged victorious, claiming Gold in Open Men's Singles and partnering with Anukul Singh to seize Gold in Open Men's Doubles. Prachenta Verma shone in the junior girls division, capturing the Gold Medal in Girls' Singles (18U). Other commendable performances included Deepak Paswan's Silver Medals in Open Men's Doubles with Ranjan Kumar and Open Mixed Doubles with Parcheta Verma. Aditya Gupta and Apurv Kumar rounded off the podium with a Bronze in Men's Doubles.

In other divisions, Hridhhan Goenka (14U) and Anurag Kumar (16U) secured wins in their respective Boys Singles categories, with Vishal Nishad triumphing in Boys' Singles (18U). The Junior Mixed Doubles pair of Aastha Priyadarshani and Attulit Shrawan also emerged victorious. The championship provided a vital arena for athletes to showcase their prowess, reinforcing AIPA's dedication to grassroots advancement and organized competition.

In a noteworthy stride to bolster the sport's ecosystem, AIPA hosted a Coaches and Referee Clinic on April 11-12, 2026, in Hyderabad, Telangana. Drawing over 120 participants nationwide, this clinic underscored the growing commitment to professional development. These initiatives underpin AIPA's grassroots mission, equipping coaches and officials with essential expertise to promote pickleball throughout India and secure its future viability.

"We take immense pride in the performances of our players and the overwhelming success of our Coaches and Referee Clinic. The unwavering dedication exhibited by our athletes, coaches, and officials elevates the standards of Indian pickleball," stated Arvind Praboo, President of AIPA. With a history spanning over 18 years, AIPA remains instrumental in developing a robust grassroots foundation and offering competitive opportunities at all levels. The triumph of both the championship and the clinic signifies a promising and secure ascent of pickleball in India.

(With inputs from agencies.)