India Advances to Quarterfinals at 2026 Pickleball World Cup After Defeating Philippines

Mumbai, September 4 (Daily Kiran) : The Indian pickleball team has made a remarkable stride at the 2026 Pickleball World Cup, currently taking place in Da Nang, Vietnam. On September 4, the team advanced to the quarterfinals without losing a single match, following a decisive victory over the Philippines in the round of 16.

The match against the Philippines was anticipated to be challenging, yet India triumphed with a score of 4-1. The women’s doubles pair of Pearl Amalsadiwala and Mihika Yadav secured the first point for India. Although the men’s doubles team faced a tough contest and lost 19-21, the subsequent mixed doubles matches turned the tide in India’s favor, allowing them to gain a 3-1 lead. Alia Ibrahim clinched the final point with a convincing 21-12 win, propelling India into the quarterfinals.

In the next round, India will face a formidable opponent in the United States. The Indian professional team, comprising Harsh Mehta, Arjun Singh, Anish Froilan, Aman Patel, Pearl Amalsadiwala, Naomi Amalsadiwala, Alia Ibrahim, and Mihika Yadav, had previously dominated China with a 4-0 victory in the round of 32.

Pearl Amalsadiwala expressed her excitement about the team’s performance, stating, “I am thrilled with how we executed our plans and reached the quarterfinals. Playing alongside Mihika and Harsh has been a fantastic experience, and Harsh’s leadership has been crucial. I take great joy in contributing to the team, and I eagerly await the quarterfinals. Saturday will be a significant day for the rest of the Indian teams, but we are ready for the challenge.”

India’s Masters, Junior, and Kids teams also secured their spots in the quarterfinals by defeating Vietnam, Chinese Taipei, and Australia, respectively. However, the senior team faced elimination in the round of 16 after a loss to New Zealand. The Masters team had a hard-fought victory against China, winning 3-2, with Bhushan Akut and Petulia Balaji achieving a remarkable 21-9 win in the decisive match.

Alap Sharma, treasurer of the Indian Pickleball Association, stated, “On Saturday, our Kids, Juniors, Open, and Masters (60+) teams will enter the quarterfinals with great enthusiasm. Every player is giving their best and playing for the country with heart, courage, and pride. Watching them pour their all into the game fills us with joy and pride. Nothing is greater than witnessing India’s victory.”