Aarin Ballani, a Class 7 student at The Ardee School in Goa, has been selected to represent India at the Pickleball World Cup, set to take place in Vietnam in August 2026. His selection follows an outstanding performance at the National Junior Pickleball Championships held in Ahmedabad.
Exceptional Performance at Nationals
The championship was organized by the Indian Pickleball Association, the sport's governing body in India. Competing in the Under-12 category, Aarin delivered a stellar performance, winning gold medals in all three events he entered: U-12 Singles, U-12 Boys Doubles, and U-12 Mixed Doubles. Additionally, he secured a gold medal in the U-14 Boys Doubles event, competing against older players and demonstrating remarkable skill, composure, and maturity beyond his years.
Selection for Team India
Based on his outstanding achievements at the national championship, Aarin earned a place on Team India for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup. He will now represent the country on an international stage.
Consistent Excellence
Aarin has consistently proven himself as one of Goa's most promising young pickleball players. Over the past year, he has represented the state at national-level competitions and delivered strong performances against older opponents. At the 9th All India Pickleball Association Nationals in Jammu in 2025, he reached the semifinals of the U-14 Boys Singles category and advanced to the quarterfinals of the U-16 Boys Doubles event, underscoring his ability to compete successfully across age groups. His performances have contributed to Goa's growing reputation as an emerging hub for pickleball in India.
Words from Aarin
Expressing his excitement about representing the country, Aarin said, as quoted in a press release, "It is an honour to be selected to represent India at the Pickleball World Cup. I am grateful to my coaches, my parents, and my school, The Ardee School, for their constant encouragement and support. Winning four gold medals at the national championships has given me confidence, and I look forward to competing against some of the best young players from around the world and giving my best for India."
School and Community Support
The Ardee School expressed immense pride in Aarin's achievements and reiterated its commitment to supporting students in pursuing excellence beyond the classroom. The school community looks forward to supporting Aarin as he prepares for the World Cup and represents India in Vietnam later this year.
As pickleball continues to experience rapid growth across India, Aarin's success reflects the increasing popularity of the sport among young athletes and highlights the emerging talent from Goa.
