News & Stories
Mar 5, 2025
The Indian Open 2025 Pickleball Tournament wrapped up in spectacular fashion at Mumbai’s NESCO Hall on February 9, leaving fans on the edge of their seats and cementing India’s status as a rising powerhouse in the sport. A week filled with adrenaline-pumping action, fierce rivalries, and unwavering sportsmanship culminated in two teams emerging as champions: the Delhi Snipers, who claimed the Pro League title, and the Chennai Cool Cats, who triumphed in the Challenger League.
Challenger League: Chennai Cool Cats Roar to Victory
The Challenger League final was a true test of grit and endurance, with the Chennai Cool Cats battling the Bengaluru Blazers in a dramatic five-set tie-breaker. The deciding moment came in the final minutes when Dev Shah unleashed a powerful rally to secure the trophy for Chennai.
Chennai Cool Cats' owner Yudhi Ruia, a passionate advocate for Pickleball, played a hands-on role in his team’s journey. “Spending time with my team, ensuring their well-being, and keeping their spirits high was a game-changer,” Ruia shared.
The Jaipur Jawans secured third place after a gripping contest against the Hyderabad Vikings, proving that the competition in the Challenger League was fiercer than ever.
(Photo Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/genesis/chennai-challengers-and-delhi-pros-finish-off-in-style-101736226387984.html)
Pro League: Delhi Snipers Claim the Throne
The Pro League final was the highlight of the tournament, as the Delhi Snipers took on the Chennai Cool Cats in an electrifying showdown. With Jamie Haas leading the charge, the Snipers delivered a series of jaw-dropping plays. The men’s doubles match, featuring Yudhi Ruia and Aidan Schenk, was an intense display of skill and resilience. In the end, Delhi secured a hat-trick of wins to lift the championship trophy.
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Kingz battled Jaipur Jawans for third place. Jaipur’s Himanshu Mehta dominated the men’s singles, but the Kingz fought back with Mihika Yadav and Naimi shining in the women’s doubles. Their chemistry was undeniable, and Mihika’s post-match declaration said it all: “George Wall is the coolest captain ever!”
(Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/globalsports_pickleball/p/DFz_Y8StdW3/?img_index=7)
A Star-Studded Affair and Growing Recognition
Adding to the tournament’s excitement was actor Manish Paul, who was seen cheering courtside. “Seeing the scale at which this tournament has been organized, with so many international and Indian players competing professionally, Pickleball in India is going to be as big as the IPL very soon,” he predicted.
The winners of the Pro League shared a prize pool of USD 110,000, while the Challenger League winners took home USD 12,000. Additionally, the tournament crowned its MVPs (Most Valuable Players), each receiving an extra USD 4,000.
Challenger League MVP: 16-year-old Aditya Singh, a rising star who has been training with Global Sports for the past two years. His standout performance with the Chennai Cool Cats turned heads throughout the tournament.
Pro League MVP: Aidan Schenk of Delhi Snipers, the 19-year-old Pickleball prodigy from LA, who delivered some of the season’s most thrilling moments. “Playing alongside a strong team helped me push my game to the next level. I can’t wait for the 2026 season,” Aidan said.
India’s Pickleball Boom: The Future Looks Bright
As the champions celebrate and players reflect on their journeys, one thing is clear: India has hosted one of the biggest and most successful Pickleball tournaments in Asia to date. The Indian Open 2025 not only showcased elite talent but also strengthened the Pickleball community, inspiring countless new players to pick up a paddle.
With Global Sports setting a benchmark for world-class tournament organization, all eyes are now on the Indian Open 2026, which promises to be bigger, bolder, and even more competitive. The future of Pickleball in India is dazzlingly bright, and this is just the beginning of an exhilarating new chapter for the sport!
