AIPA Shines On The World Stage With Four Medals At WPC Korea — Even As Legal Dispute Unfolds
India’s rising stature in global pickleball was once again affirmed this past weekend, as athletes from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) clinched four medals at the 2025 World Pickleball Championship Korea, held from 5–8 June at the Seogwipo Tennis Center in Jeju-do.
Despite being embroiled in a long-running legal dispute with the Indian Pickleball Association and India’s Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, AIPA showed it remains a force to be reckoned with on the international circuit. The tournament, a Tier 3 event organised by Pickleball Global, drew more than 230 players from across Asia, including top talent from Korea, Japan, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Singapore.
Source: Sakshi Post
Indian Excellence On Display
Leading the medal charge was Kuldip Mahajan, who captured double gold—first in the Men’s Doubles 19+ category alongside Hong Kong’s Ryan Iam, and then in the Mixed Doubles 19+ category with fellow Indian standout Vrushali Thakare.
Thakare herself secured a silver medal in Women’s Doubles 19+ with Indonesia’s Angie Bong, while Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma added another silver for India in the Men’s Singles 19+ division.
This four-medal haul was a proud moment not only for the athletes but also for AIPA, which continues to represent India in elite international events despite the ongoing legal ambiguity over its domestic standing.
"More Than Just Medals"
“It is truly heartening to witness our athletes rise to the occasion and deliver such world-class performances on an international stage,” said AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo.
“These victories are not just medals—they are milestones in India’s growing stature in the global pickleball community. We are proud of our champions who continue to put Indian pickleball on the world map with grit, grace, and excellence.”
A Statement Of Legacy And Leadership
Founded long before the current wave of popularity swept across Indian pickleball, AIPA has long held a pivotal role in the sport’s domestic and regional growth. This recent performance only solidifies its position as the country's most enduring pickleball institution.
While the future of Indian pickleball governance remains subject to legal clarification, what is clear is this: Indian players are performing at an elite level, and AIPA remains a major driver of that success.
In Jeju-do, the athletes did more than win medals. They sent a message—to India, to Asia, and to the world—that Indian pickleball is here to stay, and it’s only getting stronger.
