It is easy to understand why Pickleball is becoming popular across the world. It is one sport that is making people of all age-groups and genders fall in love swiftly with this exciting game. While most of the sports disciplines demand a certain level of fitness and not feasible to being played in a gender-neutral fashion, Pickleball scores with its easy demeanour drawing curious ‘Can I try playing?’ kind of requests and the joy it gives even to the novices to sports in general.
A Pickleball demonstration held at Green Meadows School-Saligao recently, provided a wonderful opportunity for students as well as teachers to understand the sport in a holistic manner. Nishad Shevde, who is the top pickleball player in Goa, explained the excited students and teachers the rules of the game. His practical session received overwhelming response.
Nishad has no doubt in his mind that Pickleball makes age look like just a number. “An elderly person can play with a youngster and also defeat him, such is pickleball… I have seen this happening in the national tournaments which I have played. It is amazing to see that everyone can compete in the same category and play the sport together and the best part is even a family can play it together and enjoy some great family time,” said Nishad, who believes that there is no stopping the growth of Pickleball in Goa.
“The other factor is that, the cost of playing this game is also comparatively low as it can be played anywhere – even on a badminton court,” he added.
For any newcomer to a sport, the threat of an injury can be a deterrent. However, Pickleball seems to be a gentle sport for starters. Sports physiotherapist Lara de Miranda confirms the simple nature of the sport for beginners.
“I think it’s a very nice game for everybody to take up because people of all age-groups can play. Especially, when one starts – the intensity is not very high, so the chances of one getting injured are very less. But of course, if you want to become a professional player, then like in any other upper body dominated-sport, you have to start working on your strength , power and agility as well,” stated Lara, who has been playing Pickleball since last two years.
Nishad, who has played table tennis and is a national-level tennis player, was easily hooked onto Pickleball.
“I had heard Pickleball is very natural for tennis players. And thus when I tried it, I found out that Pickleball is very similar to tennis and I could hit the ball very well. That is how I got interested in the sport and thus while playing National Pickleball Tournaments, I ended up defeating India No. 4 in Ahmedabad last December. This competitiveness along with fun attracts me and keeps me interested in the sport to win while having fun! Moreover, I also keep helping other players improve their game and try to promote the sport in the state of Goa,” asserted Nishad, who runs a tennis academy at Fatorda.
Teachers of Green Meadows school shared their experiences and echoed the general sentiment that playing Pickleball brought them a lot of happiness. Students too expressed their desire to engage in the sport whenever they get a chance and they will surely get more exposure as this Saligao-based school has dedicated facility for Pickleball.
Goa Pickleball Association president Mayur Sawkar emphasised on the important role played by schools, in promoting a sport.
“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the world and we want to start in the same way in Goa too. Our first approach will be to go to the schools and locate places where Pickleball courts could be set up. We will hold demo sessions so that young talents can come in,” said Sawkar, who also revealed his intention to get an Indoor court for Pickleball at Mapusa with the help of Sports Minister.
