The ambition was straightforward - build on India’s memorable run at the Pickleball World Cup in 2025 and deliver an even stronger campaign closer to home
in Vietnam almost a year later. On Sunday, Indian pickleball players made an emphatic start to Asia's first-ever Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, which runs from August 30 to September 6. In a poignant moment for the country's campaign, 16-year-old Kiaan Contractor got India’s medal tally rolling, winning silver in the men’s singles 4.5 (all ages) category. But the day’s biggest moment arrived when 64-year-old Bhushan Akut clinched the gold medal. He defeated Ashok Rohira, his men's doubles partner, in the 60+ men’s singles final. It was a testament to the country’s growing depth in the sport and pickleball’s global appeal across generations. For a country that finished seventh on its World Cup team debut in 2025 - the best finish by an Asian country - building on those gains was crucial. Over the last one year, India has shown immense potential to emerge as a global power in the sport. Players from the country are already making waves in junior and pro events across Asia and the United States. Meanwhile, the sport has grown manifold, with participation in the current World Cup rising to 5,000 from 81 countries.
But India had to withstand the test of time. Before Bhushan and Ashok battled it out for the country's first gold medal in Da Nang, India had missed five chances at golden finishes, with each coming close but falling short at crucial moments. Be it Kiaan, Kiran Salian (50+ men's singles 4-4.5), Raghav Mallick (60+ men's singles 3.5), Lokesh Bhavsar (30+ men's singles below 4) or Sanjana Sirimalla (Women's Doubles DUPR 4.5), the Indians' ability to make deep runs was evident. Yet the wait for the golden moment continued before sexagenarian Bhushan finally brought an end to it.
Weather poses a challenge
Coastal city Da Nang’s heat and humidity were difficult to beat, given its location along the South China Sea. Yet, Indian players showed impressive adaptability to deliver their best. With the tournament still in its early stages, handling the sultry weather will be crucial to India’s campaign.
"Most of the venues are covered, but still the weather will wreck havoc on players," Aalap Sharma, the treasurer and chief selector of Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), told Pickleball Now from Da Nang.
Reflecting on India's performance on the opening day, Dhiren Patel, India's chief coach, hailed the team. "It is a very good start for Team India. We are hoping for more medals," Patel told this website.
Glimpse of a brighter World Cup for India
The terrific start on the opening day promises a brighter World Cup for India, with the team and pro categories still to come, giving the country an opportunity to add to its swelling medal tally. At the US World Cup in 2025, India won 25 medals, including 8 gold, 8 silver and 9 bronze. This time, the 32-member squad has already made a strong start, raising hopes of a bigger and better haul and taking India to new heights.
The performances on the opening day are certain to inspire India’s players as they chase podium finishes in the team events and individual categories.
"This first day performance of these players are definitely going to motivate all the other team and all the players who are playing for India in the World Cup," Patel added.
Da Nang's pickleball set-up is much bigger than that of the US World Cup, with matches taking place across seven venues. Fans are expected to throng the venues in large numbers, adding a new dimension to the World Cup.
