India’s Kids team has booked its place in the final of the 2026 Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, after a commanding 3-0 victory over Japan in the knockout stage. The result keeps India’s young players within touching distance of a major international title, capping a confident campaign against strong opposition.
The Under-14 squad, selected after competitive trials in Ahmedabad, has carried India’s hopes on the global stage alongside the country’s Junior, Senior, Masters and Open teams. The team’s progress also reflects the growing depth of Indian pickleball, with officials previously backing the young athletes to compete with confidence and represent the country with pride.
Young Stars Deliver Again
The 3-0 win over Japan underlined the composure and consistency of India’s young players when the stakes were at their highest. Rather than allowing the pressure of a World Cup knockout match to dictate their performance, the Kids team produced a clean sweep to move into the title clash.
The squad features captain Veer Shah, alongside Viransh Chopra, Aarin Ballani, Mahika Rathod, Maansi Kartik and Aashritaa S. Their selection followed the Indian Pickleball Association’s trials and performances at domestic competitions. Shah, in particular, arrived at the World Cup after winning a triple crown in the Under-14 category at the Junior Pickleball Championship. Aarin Ballani had also swept the Under-12 categories before earning his place in the squad.
Inside The World Cup
The 2026 Pickleball World Cup is the sport’s fourth World Cup and the first edition to be held in Asia, taking place in Da Nang from August 30 to September 6. The tournament brings together national teams across several divisions, including Open, Senior, Junior, Kids and Masters, making it one of the sport’s biggest international gatherings.
More than 5,000 athletes from 65 countries and territories were reported at the event, with competition spread across multiple venues in Da Nang. The national-team competition is distinct from the accompanying International Pickleball Tournament, which is open to individual participants. The World Pickleball Federation has officially recognised the event, highlighting its role in promoting international competition, cooperation and the global growth of pickleball.
India’s Rising Pickleball Pipeline
India’s Kids team is part of a wider push to establish the country as a serious force in international pickleball. The Indian Pickleball Association selected its Under-14 and Under-18 players through a competitive process, with the stated aim of developing the next generation of athletes.
IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar described the junior squad as the “absolute future” of Indian pickleball and said the players had been selected on merit and exceptional form. He also expressed confidence that they would play with passion, represent the Tricolour proudly and inspire more children to take up the sport. The young players underwent a structured high-performance programme covering technical skills, physical conditioning, mental resilience and sports nutrition ahead of the World Cup.
One Match From History
India’s progress comes as the sport itself continues to expand across the country and internationally. At the previous World Cup in Florida, India finished seventh overall with 25 medals, including eight gold, eight silver and nine bronze medals, according to tournament information. The current campaign has offered another opportunity to demonstrate that Indian pickleball is developing across age groups rather than relying only on established senior players.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective –
The Kids team’s journey is encouraging not simply because of the possibility of a World Cup title, but because it places young Indian athletes at the centre of a rapidly growing international sport. Competition at this age can teach children discipline, resilience, teamwork and respect for opponents, values that extend well beyond the court.
Their achievement also shows why sustained investment in grassroots sport matters: when children receive quality training and the opportunity to compete globally, they can surprise even themselves. As India’s young paddlers prepare for the final, what more can be done to ensure that promising children across the country get the same opportunity to play, compete and dream?
