Kuldip Mahajan (Maharashtra), Divyanshu Kataria (Rajasthan), and Sonukumar (Jharkhand) won gold, silver and bronze medal respectively in the Open Men’s singles category, at the 3rd national Ranking Pickleball Tournament 2023, which concluded at Tennis courts, Fatorda, Goa on Sunday. Snehal Patil (Maharashtra), Vrushali Thakare (Maharashtra), and Urvi Abhyanka (Maharashtra) were the gold, silver and bronze medal winners in the Open Women’s singles section.
The tournament’s closing function was graced by the Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant, who expressed his exhilaration, stating, “I had an amazing time trying my hand at pickleball during the 3rd National Ranking Tournament! I enjoyed the energy and enthusiasm of all the players. I believe Goa has the potential to become not just a National hub, but also an International hub for pickleball. Let’s work towards promoting and developing this exciting sport in our beautiful state.”
The prestigious National tournament, the first of its kind to be held in Goa, was organised by the Goa Pickleball Association, in collaboration with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and with the support of the Directorate of Sports and Youth Affairs and Sports Authority of Goa.
Gaurav Natekar, former Tennis national champion graced the concluding day as the guest of honour, along with Arvind Prabhoo (President, AIPA), Chetan Sanil (Secretary, AIPA), Manoj Patil (President, GPA), Praveen Shenoy (Treasurer, GPA), Vinayak Kamat (SAG Coach) among others.
Other notable winners were Mayur Patil and Yuvi Ruia in Open Men’s Doubles, Armaan Bhatia & Isha Lakhani in Open Mixed Doubles, Aditya Singh & Arjun Singh in 14 and Under Boys Doubles, Aditya Singh & Anjali Pol in 14 and Under Mixed Doubles, Anush Popli & Stavya Bhasin in 19 and Under Boys Doubles, Aditya Singh & Snehal Patil in 19 and Under Mixed Doubles, Marius Pereira in 35+ Men’s Singles, Sandeep Tawde & Yashodhan Deshmukh in 35+ Mens Doubles, Vishal Jadhav & Chitra Chettiyar in 35+ Mixed Doubles, Sandeep Tawde & Thakurdas Rohira in 50+ Men Doubles and Thakurdas Rohira (Mah) And Denise Burchette in 50+ Mixed Doubles.
“The Goa Pickleball Association, along with its esteemed partners, aims to further propel the growth and recognition of pickleball in Goa, not only by organising National events but events on an international scale as well. The success of the 3rd National Ranking Pickleball Tournament marks a significant milestone in achieving this vision, as Goa emerges as a prominent destination for this exhilarating sport, which would also be a boost to tourism”, stated Manoj Patil, President of Goa Pickleball Association.
