New Delhi: Indian pickleball talent Armaan Bhatia is making waves at the PWR DUPR India Masters Pickleball Tournament in Delhi. The 25-year-old has impressed audiences with his powerful gameplay, securing spots in the finals of three different events—a rare achievement in any sport. Bhatia, who is widely considered one of India’s top pickleball players, will compete in the Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles finals, all set to take place this Sunday.
Mixed Doubles Final with Dutch Partner Rut van Ryck
Armaan and his Dutch partner, Rut van Ryck, are on a winning streak in the Mixed Doubles event. The duo advanced to the final after dominating the semi-finals, defeating the Indo-Australian pair Vishal Masand and Sarah Barr with an impressive score of 11-5, 11-1. The final, set for Sunday evening, will see Armaan and Van Ryck face off against Australian duo George Wall and Danny Townsend for a grand prize of $50,000. Bhatia’s exceptional performance has put all eyes on him as he steps into his first of three finals on Sunday.
Three Finals in One Day: A Grueling Schedule
Armaan Bhatia’s schedule for Sunday is packed, with all three finals happening within a few hours. The day kicks off with the Men’s Singles final at 5 PM, where Armaan will challenge top-seeded American player Dusty Boyer. Following this, he will take part in the Men’s Doubles final at 7 PM and the Mixed Doubles final at 8 PM. With such a tight lineup, Bhatia will need both physical endurance and mental focus to navigate through each match.
Armaan Bhatia’s Journey from Tennis to Pickleball
Armaan’s journey into pickleball is unique and filled with challenges. Originally a tennis player, he found limited success in India’s competitive tennis scene. But when the Covid-19 lockdown hit, he decided to try pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis and badminton and requires quick reflexes and agility. Armaan began practicing indoors during the lockdown, and soon, he found himself completely captivated by the sport.
In an interview with the Hindustan Times, Bhatia shared that his switch from tennis to pickleball wasn’t a hasty decision. He spent over two years evaluating his career, and a hamstring injury further motivated his transition, as pickleball was less physically demanding. “Since pickleball has a similar play style to tennis, it wasn’t difficult for me to switch. The excitement I felt playing pickleball made the transition even easier,” he said.
Rising Hopes for Victory
With his spectacular performance in the India Masters Pickleball Tournament, Bhatia has already won the admiration of pickleball fans across the country. He enters the finals with high hopes and has his sights set on winning all three titles, a feat that would solidify his standing as one of India’s most skilled pickleball players.
