Mumbai, September 5, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
India remained unbeaten in the team event at the Pickleball World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam, advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating the Philippines 4-1 in the Round of 16.
The Indian Pro squad comprising Harsh Mehta, Arjun Singh, Anish Froilan, Aman Patel, Pearl Amalsadiwala, Naomi Amalsadiwala, Aaliya Ebrahim and Mihika Yadav had earlier defeated China 4-0 in the Round of 32.
Pearl Amalsadiwala and Mihika Yadav opened India’s campaign against China with a 21-19 win in the first tie. Harsh Mehta and Arjun Singh then added another point before Harsh and Pearl secured the third tie. Arjun and Mihika completed the 4-0 victory.
Against the Philippines, Pearl and Mihika again gave India an early lead in women’s doubles, while the men’s doubles pair fought hard but lost 19-21. India then won the next two mixed doubles ties to move 3-1 ahead, before Aaliya Ebrahim sealed the quarterfinal berth with a dominant 21-12 victory.
Pearl said she was pleased with the team’s execution and credited the experience of playing alongside Mihika and Harsh, while highlighting Harsh’s leadership. She added that the team was looking forward to the quarterfinal challenge.
India’s Masters, Junior and Kids squads also advanced to the quarterfinals. They will face Vietnam, Chinese Taipei and Australia, respectively. The India Senior team, however, was eliminated after losing to New Zealand in the Round of 16.
The India Masters team edged China 3-2 in a closely fought Round of 16 contest, with Bhushan Akut and Petulia Balaji dominating the deciding tie 21-9.
Indian Pickleball Association Treasurer Aalap Sharma praised the teams’ determination, while President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar congratulated the players on reaching the quarterfinals and said the association was backing them for a strong finish in the tournament.
FOLLOW NOW
