India Storm Into Pickleball World Cup Quarterfinals

The Indian contingent remained unbeaten on Day 2 of the team event at the Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, with the Pro squad storming into the quarterfinals after defeating the Philippines 4-1. India will now face a formidable USA side in the last eight.

Earlier, the Indian Pro squad defeated China 4-0 in the Round of 32. Pearl Amalsadiwala and Mihika Yadav secured the opening point in women’s doubles, while Harsh Mehta and Arjun Singh added another. Harsh and Pearl then won a challenging mixed doubles tie before Arjun and Mihika completed the 4-0 victory.

Against the Philippines, Pearl and Mihika again gave India the perfect start. Although the men’s doubles pair lost the second tie 19-21, India bounced back by winning the next two mixed doubles matches. Aaliya Ebrahim then sealed the victory with a dominant 21-12 win.

India’s Masters, Junior and Kids squads have also reached the quarterfinals, where they will face Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and Australia respectively. However, the Senior team’s campaign ended after a Round of 16 defeat to New Zealand.

The India Masters team also advanced after edging China 3-2, with Bhushan Akut and Petulia Balaji winning the deciding tie 21-9.

With four Indian teams still in contention, the country will look to make a strong push towards the final stages of the tournament.