Noida: The recently launched sports venue PicklePlay in Sector 121, Noida, witnessed electrifying action as the Universal Pickleball Association (UPA) hosted the first-ever UPA Independence Cup Pickleball Tournament. With over 100 players competing in 11 age categories across 150 matches, the tournament turned into a grand celebration of sport, inclusivity, and fitness.
Pickleball for all ages
From Under-14 players to 60+ veterans, participants showcased their passion for the fast-growing sport. Winners across categories received ₹6,000 each, with a total prize pool of ₹66,000 distributed.
Chief Guest Mahesh Chauhan, President of BJP Noida, not only encouraged the players but also tried his hand at pickleball for the first time.
This game is unique because it connects people of all ages. I appeal to Noida residents to adopt it not just for competition but as a fitness activity.
Mahesh Chauhan, Chief Guest, President of BJP Noida
Star performers of the tournament
- Prabhat Mani Vats (UPA Honorary Secretary) was declared Player of the Tournament with two golds & one silver.
- Gold in 35+ Men’s Doubles (with Tarun Goswami)
- Gold in 50+ Split Age Mixed Doubles (with Vibha Chaudhary)
- Silver in 35+ Mixed Doubles (with Aditi Joshi)
- Om Pawar, the 18-year-old talent from Delhi, proved unstoppable.
- Gold in Open Men’s Singles
- Silver in Open Men’s Doubles (with Rakesh Bansal)
- Silver in Open Mixed Doubles (with Sonia Kaur) “I started playing pickleball at the age of 8, introduced by my parents. My dream now is to win at national and international levels,” said Pawar, beaming with confidence.
- Sandeep Jain (64 years old) partnered with Jaswinder Singh to clinch gold in the 50+ Men’s Doubles, proving that age is no barrier in pickleball. “The beauty of this sport is its inclusivity – families can play together. I congratulate UPA for such a professional tournament,” said Jain.
Winners’ highlights
- Open Men’s Singles: Om Pawar (Gold), Janith Madhok (Silver)
- Open Women’s Singles: Arna Goswami (Gold), Manasha Malhotra (Silver)
- Open Men’s Doubles: Ishan Premwani & Pritam Sharma (Gold)
- Open Women’s Doubles: Divya Tandon & Jyoti Kandhari (Gold)
- Open Mixed Doubles: Ishan Premwani & Alka Kansal (Gold)
- 35+ Men’s Singles: Apoorv Vats (Gold)
- 50+ Men’s Singles: Jaswinder Singh (Gold)
- 50+ Men’s Doubles: Sandeep Jain & Jaswinder Singh (Gold)
Pickleball rising in India
Founded in October 2022, the Universal Pickleball Association is driving the sport’s growth across Uttar Pradesh. With more pickleball courts opening in Noida and Delhi-NCR, enthusiasts believe it will soon become a household fitness activity and a serious competitive sport.
The UPA Independence Cup didn’t just crown champions, it celebrated unity, fitness, and the spirit of sportsmanship.