New Delhi
The Asia Pickleball Games 2023 (APG) took place from October 6 to 9 and saw India’s 37 exceptional athletes putting on an impressive display. Organized by the Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP) in collaboration with the Chinese Taipei Pickleball Association, the event featured fierce competition and camaraderie. Heading the spirited Indian squad was Arvind Prabhoo, who held the prestigious position of President of the International Pickleball Federation and led the All India Pickleball Association. The APG 2023 witnessed competitions in various age categories, including 16+, 35+, and 50+, with a variety of events such as Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Singles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles. Indian players exhibited unwavering determination and remarkable skills, securing prominent positions on the podium. Notable achievements included Aditya Ruhela winning the Gold in the 16+ Men’s Singles category after a thrilling final against Leander Lazaro from the Philippines. Vishal Jadhav created a buzz by claiming the Gold in the 35+ Men’s Singles category, with a closely contested match against Nguyen Anh Thang of Vietnam. In the 50+ Men’s Singles, Thakurdas Rohira showed tenacity and earned the Silver medal, despite a challenging loss to Hwang, Yeong Ding of Taiwan. The Men’s Doubles 16+ category saw perfect coordination from the Indian duo Tejas Mahajan & Vanshik Kapadia, securing the Gold. The Mixed Doubles categories were filled with drama as Himansh Mehta & Vrushali Thakare and Mihir Khandelwal & Isha Lakhani dazzled and secured Bronze in the 16+ and 35+ categories, respectively. The Team Events marked the grand finale, with India Team Brahma claiming the Gold in the 16+ category and India Team Agni giving their all to secure the Silver in the 35+ category.
