Singapore-based sportswear brand HNDRD has stepped firmly into the pickleball spotlight, announcing its role as official footwear partner for Team India at the Pickleball World Cup 2026. The tournament is set to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6, with India’s players wearing HNDRD performance shoes designed specifically for court sports.
Key Points
- HNDRD is now the official footwear partner for Team India Pickleball.
- The partnership aims to elevate India's performance at the upcoming World Cup in Da Nang.
- Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) emphasizes the critical role of specialized gear.
- The national squad blends seasoned talent with dynamic youth for optimal competition.
India’s Pickleball Ambitions Continue to Grow
The partnership comes at a timely moment as pickleball in India continues to gather pace. The national association has been sharpening its high-performance programme and tightening selection standards ahead of the World Cup in Da Nang. India will arrive in Vietnam hoping to build on the bronze medal secured at the previous edition, while the addition of a specialist footwear partner provides another boost to those ambitions.
HNDRD and Indian Pickleball Share a Common Vision
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association, highlighted the importance of equipment at this level, noting that HNDRD’s focus on court-ready footwear made the partnership a natural fit. For HNDRD, co-founder Manak Kapoor described the deal as a milestone, pointing to the sport’s rapid growth and the rising profile of Indian athletes on the international stage.
Team India Brings a Mix of Youth and Experience
The squad itself features a blend of youth and experience. Harsh Mehta will spearhead the men’s Pro-category challenge, joined by Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian, and Aman Patel. Singh will also captain India’s Under-18 side.
On the women’s front, Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, and Naomi Amalsadiwala will represent India at the tournament.
HNDRD Expands Its Growing Sports Footprint
For HNDRD, the partnership represents more than a one-off collaboration. It strengthens the brand’s positioning in pickleball while complementing its presence across badminton, running, cricket, padel, and football.
More broadly, the deal reflects the growing commercial ecosystem around Indian pickleball, where national teams are increasingly becoming platforms for brands eager to connect with a sport on the rise.
