The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has officially announced the Team India contingent for the Pickleball World Cup 2026, with Harsh Mehta set to lead the Pro category charge. The tournament will take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6, 2026.
Selection and Leadership
Following a rigorous selection process, the nation's top senior pickleball players have been chosen to represent India in the Pro category. Harsh Mehta, a seasoned international competitor, will captain the squad. “This squad represents the absolute pinnacle of Indian pickleball. With Harsh Mehta's brilliant leadership alongside dominant forces like Arjun, Anish, Aman, Aaliyah, Mihika and the formidable Amalsdiwala sisters, we have a world-class lineup,” said Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association.
Team Composition
The men's team includes Harsh Mehta (captain), Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian, and Aman Patel. Arjun Singh will also captain India in the U/18 category. The women's team features Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, and Naomi Amalsadiwala. Pearl and Naomi have consistently achieved podium finishes in women's doubles and mixed doubles across all tournaments in the past year.
Mixed Doubles Strength
Naomi Amalsadiwala and Arjun Singh are frontrunners in mixed doubles, having recently defeated top-ranked teams like Richard Livornese/Megan Fudge and Quang Duong/Shelby Bates, who are ranked in the top three globally. This performance underscores India's growing competitiveness on the international stage.
Ambitions and Support
Backed by sponsors including Lucknow Leopards, Athletiq, Picklebay, and Electrorush, the Indian contingent enters the 2026 World Cup with renewed ambition after securing a Bronze Medal in the previous edition. “We aren't going to Da Nang just to compete; we are going to conquer. This team has the hunger, the depth, and the synergy to bring the World Cup home,” added Bhullar.
Preparation and Training
To maximize performance, selected athletes will participate in a structured high-performance development program featuring intensive training camps focused on technical excellence, physical conditioning, mental resilience, and sports nutrition. Harsh Mehta expressed his gratitude: “Extremely happy and grateful to be chosen as the captain for Team India at the upcoming World Cup, and I look forward to giving my absolute best along with the rest of the squad.”
Final Squad
- Harsh Mehta (Captain)
- Arjun Singh
- Anish Frolian
- Aman Patel
- Mihika Yadav
- Aaliyah Ebrahim
- Pearl Amalsadiwala
- Naomi Amalsadiwala
