Pro Picklers
Mar 3, 2025
When Mayur Patil claimed silver at the 2023 English Open's Bainbridge Cup, he put Indian pickleball on the international map. The Maharashtra native's achievement marks a milestone for the sport's growth in India.
Patil's rise from local tournaments to international competition reflects pickleball's expanding footprint in India. His success at the English Open, competing against established players from traditional pickleball strongholds, demonstrates the potential emerging from India's growing pickleball scene.
From Humble Beginnings to Big Dreams
Mayur's pickleball journey began in Chopda, Maharashtra, with modest beginnings: a wooden paddle he crafted himself and a smiley ball. These early days of improvisation laid the foundation for his later success, as he dedicated himself to mastering the sport's fundamentals despite limited resources.
From those informal practice sessions in Chopda, Patil steadily built his reputation in national competitions, catching the attention of India's growing pickleball community.
(Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_fQO6Cv9a_/?locale=fr_FR&hl=en&img_index=3)
The Road to Glory
After a brief break from the sport, Mayur returned stronger than ever in 2022. His grit and persistence paid off when he secured a spot on India’s national pickleball team—a moment he describes as nothing short of life-changing. “That moment, I couldn’t contain my emotions. I cried. It wasn’t about the title or the jersey. It was about all the years of sacrifice, the struggle, and the hard work. It all led up to that one moment,” he recalls.
Making History at the Bainbridge Cup
August 2023 was a turning point in Mayur’s career. Representing India at the English Open, he faced off against some of the world's most elite players. With unmatched skill, strategy, and relentless determination, he battled his way to a silver medal in the open category of the Bainbridge Cup—an achievement that cemented his place among the sport’s rising stars and signaled India’s growing presence on the world stage.
(Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C19zRSBotvo/?locale=fr_FR&hl=en&img_index=6)
Leading the Charge for Pickleball in India
But Mayur’s impact goes beyond his own success. As the captain of India’s national team, he’s on a mission to put Indian pickleball on the map. He’s mentoring young athletes, advocating for more tournaments, and championing the expansion of the sport across the country. He knows that exposure to international platforms like the World Pickleball League (WPBL) is crucial for the next generation of Indian players.
"Pickleball in India is growing, and I’m excited to be part of that growth," Mayur says with enthusiasm. His vision? To see India emerge as a dominant force in global pickleball and inspire a new wave of talent to take up the sport.
(Photo Source: https://www.instagram.com/p/C0OkiyYtMjb/?locale=fr_FR&hl=en)
The Future is Bright
Today, Patil's transition from practicing with handmade equipment to competing internationally serves as a benchmark for India's emerging pickleball talent. His success has helped create a roadmap for other players, demonstrating that international achievement is within reach.
As he prepares for upcoming tournaments, Patil remains focused on elevating India's presence in the global pickleball scene. 'Each competition is a chance to show what Indian players can achieve,' he says. 'The sport here is just beginning to find its footing.'
