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70 Warriors Converge on Bengaluru for Record-Breaking IPA Nationals

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, November 16th 2025 at 12:41 GMT by Times Now

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From the Court to the City: How 70 Warriors Made Bengaluru a Pickleball Celebration

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) recently staged its most ambitious national tournament yet in the bustling city of Bengaluru. Titled the IPA Nationals 2023, the event drew a record‑setting 70 elite players—dubbed “warriors” by the organisers—who travelled from every corner of the country to compete, network, and celebrate the burgeoning sport of pickleball. The tournament, held at the state‑of‑the‑art Kanteerava Indoor Stadium, was more than a competition; it was a cultural festival that turned the city into a living testament to sport, teamwork, and the “second innings” spirit that defines the game.

The Premise of a “Second Innings” Tournament

Unlike conventional single‑match knockouts, the IPA Nationals adopted a multi‑phase format that mirrored the sport’s own two‑innings play. The first phase was a round‑robin pool stage where every player faced every other in their group. The second phase—hence the “second innings”—was a knockout bracket that pitted the top performers from the pools against one another in a high‑stakes, head‑to‑head showdown.

This structure ensured that even a single poor performance in the pool stage could be compensated by a strong showing in the elimination round. It also added an extra layer of suspense for spectators, who could see the same pairings clash multiple times with different stakes on the line. The organisers highlighted that the format was designed to “celebrate resilience and adaptability,” two values that the IPA considers central to its mission.

Highlights of the Pool Stage

• Diversity of Play: Players from Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, and even the northeastern state of Assam showcased the sport’s national reach. The pool stage alone produced 42 matches, each played with the trademark fast‑paced rallies that pickleball is known for.

• Standout Performers: Two names dominated the pool stage – Suresh Rao from Karnataka and Ananya Mehta from Delhi. Rao, a seasoned doubles specialist, won all five of his matches with an average rally count of 32 points. Mehta, meanwhile, earned praise for her aggressive serve‑return combo that upset several higher‑seeded opponents.

• Spectator Engagement: Every pool match was accompanied by brief commentary from former national champions, giving audiences real‑time insights into strategy and psychology. According to the event’s media partner, “The crowd was not just watching; they were learning and cheering for every smart play.”

The Second Innings: Knockout Bracket

The knockout stage was where the real drama unfolded. After a grueling day of play, the top eight qualifiers advanced to the quarter‑finals, which were played on a 12‑hour, non‑stop schedule. The organisers leveraged the city’s night‑life by setting up a “night‑owl” session at 8 p.m., complete with LED lighting that highlighted the court’s dynamic lines.

Quarter‑finals

1. Suresh Rao vs. Deepak Singh – Rao took a 5‑3 win in a tightly contested match.
2. Ananya Mehta vs. Nikhil Patel – Mehta dominated with a 6‑2 win, showcasing a blistering serve that earned her the “Best Serve” accolade.
3. Ravi Kumar vs. Priya Shah – The veteran duo of Kumar and Shah upset the underdog pair with a 6‑4 win.
4. Lakshmi Iyer vs. Mohammed Ali – A back‑and‑forth battle that concluded 5‑3 in Iyer’s favour.

Semi‑finals

The semi‑finals featured a head‑to‑head showdown between Mehta and Rao, two of the tournament’s brightest stars. In a nail‑biting 6‑5 match that went into a tiebreaker, Mehta’s daring net play turned the tide, giving her a 7‑5 victory and a place in the final.

On the other side of the bracket, Rao faced Kumar‑Shah, and after a grueling 6‑4 finish, Rao emerged as the champion of the first half of the tournament. This set the stage for a “second innings” rematch, as the event’s unique structure allowed Rao and Mehta to face off again in the grand final—each with a chance to claim the overall national title.

The Grand Final

The final match saw Mehta and Rao trading leads, with Mehta taking an early 4‑2 advantage. However, Rao’s experience and tactical variety pushed the match into a tiebreaker. After a tense 7‑5 tiebreak, Rao clinched the national title, bringing the tournament to a thrilling close.

Celebrations Beyond the Court

The tournament’s success was measured not just by the matches, but by the cultural impact it had on Bengaluru and the broader pickleball community.

• Community Clinics: Between matches, the IPA’s “Play for All” initiative organized free clinics for local schoolchildren. Over 500 students participated, and many received coaching from the tournament’s top players.

• Women’s Empowerment Sessions: The event hosted a panel discussion on women in sports featuring Mehta, Iyer, and former national champion Sunita Reddy. The discussion highlighted challenges and opportunities for women athletes, reinforcing the sport’s inclusive ethos.

• Sustainability Focus: In keeping with IPA’s commitment to eco‑friendly sports, all equipment used was recyclable, and the venue implemented a zero‑waste policy during the tournament.

Looking Forward: The Future of Pickleball in India

The IPA Nationals 2023 proved that India’s pickleball scene is not only growing but also capable of staging world‑class events. The tournament’s format—mirroring a “second innings” approach—allowed players to showcase resilience and adaptability, qualities that resonate with the country’s sporting culture.

Organisers have already hinted at the next edition of the Nationals. Plans include expanding to 120 participants, introducing mixed‑team events, and adding a “Pro League” segment for top athletes. The city of Bengaluru, having hosted a successful spectacle, is poised to become the nation’s pickleball hub.

Takeaway

• 70 warriors converged on Bengaluru, turning the city into a playground of sport spirit.
• Two‑innings format gave players a chance for redemption and spectators more drama.
• Suresh Rao captured the overall title after a dramatic final against Ananya Mehta.
• The event also served as a community outreach platform, featuring clinics, panel discussions, and sustainability initiatives.

By merging high‑level competition with grassroots engagement, the IPA Nationals 2023 not only showcased the sport’s excitement but also cemented its place in India’s sporting tapestry. The “second innings” spirit lived on, proving that in pickleball—and in life—a comeback is always possible.