The Indian Pickleball Association has officially unveiled its Pro category squad for the Pickleball World Cup 2026, with Harsh Mehta appointed as captain of a talented roster set to compete in Da Nang, Vietnam, from 30 August to 6 September. Packed with experience and emerging stars, the team heads into the tournament confident it has what it takes to challenge for the championship.
Key Points:
- Harsh Mehta captains a strong Indian Pro squad for the Pickleball World Cup 2026.
- The team blends seasoned talent with rising stars like Arjun Singh and Naomi Amalsadiwala.
- India aims for gold after securing a bronze medal in the previous edition.
- An intensive high-performance training program is underway to sharpen their competitive edge.
India's Elite Squad: A Blend of Power and Precision
Commanding the charge for India at the Pickleball World Cup 2026 is the experienced Harsh Mehta, leading a squad that perfectly balances seasoned prowess with vibrant youth. This dynamic lineup promises to unleash a formidable challenge on the international stage. Joining Mehta in the men's category are Arjun Singh, who will also captain India's U/18 side, alongside Anish Frolian and Aman Patel.
The women's contingent is equally impressive, featuring Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, and Naomi Amalsadiwala. Each player brings unique strengths, forming a cohesive unit ready to battle for glory.
Amalsadiwala-Singh Duo: India's Secret Weapon?
The Sister Act: Pearl and Naomi Amalsadiwala Dominance
The Amalsadiwala sisters, Pearl and Naomi, have been a force to reckon with on the domestic pickleball circuit. Their consistent podium finishes in both women’s doubles and mixed doubles highlight their exceptional synergy and skill, setting a high bar for their opponents.
Cracking the World's Best: Naomi Amalsadiwala & Arjun Singh
Keep a close eye on Naomi Amalsadiwala, who enters the World Cup as a serious contender in mixed doubles alongside Arjun Singh. This dynamic pairing has already proven their mettle by toppling world-class duos. They've famously defeated Richard Livornese and Megan Fudge, as well as Quang Duong and Shelby Bates—teams previously ranked among the world’s top three. This demonstrates their capability to upset the established order.
Confidence Sky-High: "We're Not Just Competing, We're Conquering"
Indian Pickleball Association President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar hailed the selected squad as the finest representation of the country's pickleball talent, insisting the team is heading to Vietnam with its sights firmly set on the title rather than simply participating. He praised the players' chemistry, determination and overall quality, expressing confidence that the world-class line-up has everything needed to lift the trophy.
Captain Harsh Mehta shared the same belief, saying that while individual talent can decide matches, championships are built on teamwork. Thankful for the opportunity to lead the side, he vowed to give his all and believes the squad has the potential to make a deep run at the tournament.
A High-Performance Plan for World Cup Success
India will head into the Pickleball World Cup with the backing of Lucknow Leopards, Athletiq, Picklebay and Electrorush, looking to build on its bronze-medal finish from the last edition. In preparation, the players will complete an intensive high-performance programme featuring specialised training camps focused on technical development, physical conditioning, mental strength and nutrition.
