Pickleball Prodigy Vanshik Kapadia Wants To See Sport's Debut In 2032 Olympics: Would Be Dream Come True' (Source: Instagram)
Pickleball popularity is on the rise in India. The sport has secured a massive fanbase in the country within a very short span. Unlike other sports like cricket, tennis, and football, which are physically draining, pickleball is low-intensity and can be played by people of all ages. Tournaments like PWR DUPR India Masters brought worldwide talent to the country and put India on the global map of pickleball.
Meanwhile, Vrushali Thakare and Vanshik Kapadia are two of the top talents in the country. The pair recently won gold in the 19+ open mixed doubles at the Hong Kong leg of the World Pickleball Championship, continuing India's medal streak from the India leg last November, where the country won 28 medals, including 11 golds. The players will also participate in the inaugural World Pickleball League, set to start on January 24, 2025. Vrushali was picked by the Bengaluru franchise during the player draft while Vanshik will represent Pune. A total of 48 players from 14 countries will take part in the event.
Vrushali was delighted to see the sport boom in the country and feels it could be the second or third most popular sport in the country.
"Pickleball is growing rapidly in India, just as it has in the US. In many housing societies, tennis courts are being converted into pickleball courts. With such expansion, I believe pickleball can become the second or third most popular sport in India in the next five years. To aspiring players, I would say: play because you enjoy it. If you love the sport, it will give back to you in ways you can't imagine. Whether it's pickleball or any other sport, passion and joy will take you far," Vrushali said to India Today.
Vanshik, on the other hand, wants to see the sport included in the 2032 Olympics. "I hope it gets included, which would be a dream come true for the sport and its players."
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