Pune’s Nitten Kirrtane made history by winning two gold medals for India at the Pickleball World Cup 2025 held in Florida, USA. The former Davis Cup tennis player showcased his versatility by clinching the 50+ Men’s Singles (5.0 category) title and partnering with Suryaveersingh Bhullar to secure gold in the 50+ Men’s Doubles (4.5 category).
The seven-day global tournament, held from October 26 to November 3, featured players from 68 countries, making Kirrtane’s achievement even more remarkable. With this double victory, he cemented India’s growing presence in the global pickleball community and reflected on the special significance of Florida, where he had earlier won a Tennis World Championship medal in 2018.
A Glance at India’s Performance in the Tournament
India’s pickleball team, led by standout performances from Nitten Kirrtane and Suryaveersingh Bhullar, made a strong impact at the Pickleball World Cup 2025. Kirrtane’s double gold in the 50+ Men’s Singles and Doubles categories stood out as the country’s biggest achievement, marking India’s best-ever finish at the event and boosting its global pickleball reputation. His victories also highlighted India’s growing competitive edge, motivating upcoming players to represent the nation on international courts.
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Kirrtane’s Journey from Tennis to Pickleball
At 55, Kirrtane’s triumph serves as an inspiration for athletes looking to embrace new challenges later in life. After decades on the tennis circuit, his seamless shift to pickleball reflects both adaptability and passion for the game. What began as a curiosity soon evolved into a serious pursuit, as he discovered that pickleball complemented his tennis skills rather than replacing them.
Kirrtane described the sport as a natural extension of his tennis career, noting that practising pickleball sharpened his reflexes and enhanced his overall touch on the court. Determined to excel at the highest level, he followed an intensive training regime in the run-up to the World Cup, combining daily drills, tactical practice, and physical conditioning, all aligned with his goal of peaking at the right moment for the international stage.
Future of Pickleball in India
Winning in both singles and doubles categories showcased Nitten Kirrtane’s versatility and mental toughness, with matches played as rally-point games to 21. His remarkable double gold haul is not just a personal triumph but a milestone for Indian pickleball on the world stage, signalling a promising future for the sport in the country.
Kirrtane emphasised pickleball’s fun, social, and inclusive nature, expressing optimism about its growing popularity in India. He believes the sport has immense potential if given proper recognition and support, similar to other mainstream sports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Pickleball World Cup is directed by Hercilio Cabieses, who oversees international coordination and event operations under the Global Pickleball Federation to promote and expand the sport worldwide.
Yes, India has a national pickleball team governed by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA). The team recently participated in the Pickleball World Cup 2025 in Florida, marking India’s official international debut.
The world’s top pickleball player is Ben Johns, ranked number one globally in Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles. He’s known for his dominance in professional pickleball under the Pro Pickleball Association (PPA).
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