7th National Pickleball Championship: Noida players set to represent state

Pickleball is a game you may not have heard of. However, there is a reason for you to find out about it. 5 players from Noida have not only picked up this new sport but are all set to represent their state in a National level Championship.

Amateur Telangana Pickleball Association (ATPA), under the aegis of the All India Pickleball Association, is conducting the 7th Pickleball National Championship at the LB Indoor Stadium from June 24, 2022, to June 26, 2022. In this championship, there are players from Noida and Lucknow who will be representing their state Uttar Pradesh.

Pickleball is a racket and ball game played on a badminton size court. It originated in the United States of America and is a combination of lawn tennis and table tennis. All Indian Pickleball Association (AIPA) was formed in 2007  to promote the game in India with the motto ‘Pickleball for Fun and Fitness'. It was first played in 1965 at Bainbridge Island, Washington, United States. Since then, the game has gained immense popularity among all ages across the world. More than 16 states are participating in the event from as far as Sikkim, Jharkhand, Gujarat, Maharashtra, TN, and even Jammu and Kashmir.

The UP State team will play its first National under the leadership of Pradeep Kumar Saxena, President of UP State Pickleball Association (UPSPA) and Aman Grover, General Secretary of the UP State Pickleball Association.

The players from Noida Aman Grover, Pradeep Kumar Saxena, Sunil Garg, Saranya Garg, Rajarshi Sengupta, Mukul Mahajan and Jinal Mehta along with two U-19 players Arjun and Arnav Sharma from Lucknow will be participating in the event. Office bearers of the association and the residents are wishing them luck for the upcoming Championship.

The game was introduced by the President, General Secretary and Treasurer of UP State Pickleball Association in Noida. In March'2022, Aman Grover, the General Secretary of the UP State Pickleball Association (UPSPA) also won the Silver Medal in the Jaipur Pink City Open tournament in the 35+ doubles category.

CitySpidey contacted the players of Noida who will be participating in the PickleBall Championship 2022. They informed us that they are leaving for Hyderabad tomorrow and will be back by June 27, 2022.

Sunil Garg(39), Player under the 40 category, Business consultant by profession, and resident of Prateek Laurel says, “This is a new game in India. Basically, it is played in 60 + countries along with UK and Canada. We are happy to be representing our state."

He continues, “We are 7 players from Noida all set to play in 7th National Pickleball championship, LB Stadium, Hyderabad. We have players in Under-14, Under-19, 19-40, 40+ and 60+.”

Rajarshi Sengupta (45), Player of 40+ category, and resident of Prateek Laurel Society, Sector 120 and a Chartered Accountant by profession says, "The game combines 3 Paddle/racket games- TT, Badminton and Tennis. Pickleball is incredible for improving physical fitness and fighting depression. It isn’t just a sport."

He continues, “We practice in our society's badminton court because the dimensions are similar except the Non-Volley Zone( also called Kitchen Area in Pickleball terms). We practice in the early morning and sometimes, during the early evening after office duties. Most of our players are either IT professionals or Businessmen."

Aman Grover (39), General Secretary of the UP State Pickleball Association, resident of Prateek Laurel society, sector 120 and an owner of an IT Firm says, “We are a team of more than 40 active players playing in the age brackets of 13 to 66 years. It's an aggressive yet patient sport being played on a badminton-like court, with a paddle and a ball with the net at the height of 34-36 inches from the ground. The game has picked up a lot of momentum in India, in the last few years."

He continues, “It is a super great aerobic workout, which provides a new sports social network that’s proven to be life-changing for all enthusiasts of the sport. It also aligns with India's mission for a fit and healthy lifestyle."