Nakhon Pathom, Thailand, August 8, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India’s junior pickleball contingent returned from the Asia Pickleball Junior Open/Asian Junior Championship 2026 with three medals, including a gold, at the continental tournament held at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom, Thailand.
Organised by the Asia Federation of Pickleball (AFP), the three-day championship featured emerging players from across Asia competing in multiple age categories. The tournament provided the young athletes with an opportunity to gain international experience and compete against strong opposition at the continental level.
India’s gold came in the Under-18 Girls’ Doubles, where Stuti and Anjali produced an impressive campaign to finish on top of the podium.
Anjali Pol added a silver medal in the Under-18 Girls’ Singles, while Aadya and Keerthi secured bronze in the Under-12 Girls’ Doubles.
Arvind Prabhoo hailed the performance as an encouraging sign for the development of junior pickleball in India.
“This is a very encouraging performance from our young Indian players at the Asian Junior Championship. Winning a gold, silver and bronze across different age categories reflects the growing depth and potential of junior pickleball in India,” he said.
Prabhoo emphasised the importance of international exposure for young athletes, saying performances at major continental events would help players gain experience and confidence as they progress in their careers.
The 2026 championship featured boys’ and girls’ competitions across several age groups and was aimed at promoting junior development, international competition and long-term pathways for emerging pickleball players in Asia.
India’s three-medal haul has provided further momentum to the country’s growing junior pickleball programme, with the young players gaining valuable experience on the international stage.
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