The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has officially launched its selection process to assemble a competitive team for the Pickleball World Cup (PWC) 2026, which is set to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6. This initiative aims to identify the most skilled players across various categories, including Open, 50+, 60+, and Juniors, making it one of India’s most extensive national teams for the sport to date.

Performance Benchmarks for Selection

A key aspect of the selection will focus on athletes’ performances in the IPA National Championships, along with results from a series of sanctioned events leading up to the Picklebay Zonals. The Picklebay Zonals will serve as the final event for assessing participants before the squad is finalized. This selection strategy seeks to build upon India’s previous achievements in the sport.

India’s Notable Performance at Previous World Cup

In its inaugural World Cup appearance held in the United States, India made a remarkable showing by securing a total of 25 medals, which included 8 Gold, 8 Silver, and 9 Bronze. The team finished 7th overall in the medal tally and was distinguished as the sole Asian nation within the top 10 rankings. The upcoming selection process is aimed at not just meeting but exceeding that previous standard.

Structured Selection Process by Expert Committee

The national team selection will be executed by the IPA Selection Committee, following a systematic approach that prioritizes performance metrics from past IPA-sanctioned events. The committee plans to focus on athletes with high global rankings, ensuring that only the most competitive players represent India in Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles formats. Fitness levels and current match performance will also be critical in the evaluation process.

Performance Agreement for Shortlisted Players

All players selected for further consideration will be required to sign a Performance Agreement with the IPA. This agreement mandates adherence to physical fitness standards suited for international competition, compliance with the IPA Code of Conduct, and complete transparency regarding medical conditions. The Selection Committee retains the authority to grant Wild Card entries to participants demonstrating exceptional potential or strategic advantages for the team.

Junior Selection Trials Scheduled

For the Junior category, the IPA will conduct a separate selection trial event in Ahmedabad, scheduled from June 12 to 14. The results from this event, in conjunction with performances over the year in IPA-sanctioned competitions, will determine the Young athletes’ representation in Vietnam.

Support from Indian Pickleball League Franchise

The selected Indian National Team will receive backing from the Lucknow Leopards franchise of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) during the World Cup. This collaboration positions the franchise as a principal supporter for the Indian team in the Open category, allowing top athletes to represent India on the international stage. This partnership underscores the Lucknow Leopards’ commitment to nurturing both grassroots and professional levels of pickleball in India, aiming to connect success in domestic leagues with achievements on an international platform.

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