The PWR DUPR India Masters opened its doors to an electric crowd on Saturday at the historic Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) courts, marking the highly anticipated start of one of the most exciting pickleball tournaments in Indian history. As the sport grows in popularity across the country, the PWR DUPR India Masters has become a celebration of talent, diversity, and unity in the pickleball community.
Day 1’s events are all about singles play, with high-caliber athletes advancing in the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles categories in the Open (Pro) division. Adding to the excitement, the age group category for players 35+, 50+, 60+, as well as the intermediate bracket, underlined the appeal and inclusiveness of pickleball which is wide, with each match drawing passionate fans and making unforgettable moments on the court.
“The Indian pickleball scene is on fire,” said Tournament Director Mihir Khandelwal,. “It’s great to witness the level of skill here and to know that this tournament is just the beginning of India’s journey to become a global player in pickleball.”
Fierce competition and unmatched energy
In the highly competitive Pro division, the spotlight was on a thrilling match between two giants of Indian pickleball, Armaan Bhatia and Aditya Ruhela. The fans were treated to a display of intense athleticism, as Bhatia narrowly won from Ruhela 11-10, 9-11, 11-5. The match had spectators on the edge of their seats, and it was clear from the respect and sportsmanship of the players that the spirit of the sport was alive and well at the DLTA ground. This match, already regarded as one of the most grueling of the tournament, will surely set the benchmark for future competitions.
Bhatia’s run of wins continued as he beat Willy Chung in the semi-finals, delivering an impressive performance with a quick 11-4, 11-1 victory and a place in the final. Waiting for him in the final match was none other than the top seed of the tournament, Dusty Boyer. Boyer earned a spot by defeating Australia’s Tom Evans in the other semifinal match, which ended 11-7, 4-11, 11-8. This highly anticipated final match will bring unprecedented excitement on Sunday, promising a masterclass in pickleball skills and strategy.
In the Women’s team, Chinese Taipei’s Pei-Chuan Kao claimed a semi-final victory over Dutch player Roos Van Reek in a challenging contest that ended 11-6, 4-11, 11-4. The second semi-final saw
Sofia Sewing of the United States narrowly beat Australia’s Somer Dalla-Bona in a consistent and strong 11-9, 11-9, setting the stage for Sunday’s intense final.
Age Group Competitions Highlight Sport’s Appeal
The tournament also celebrates experienced players in age group categories (35+, 50+, and 60+), as well as Intermediate level matches. The division brings its own excitement, with each player showing off their skills and passion for pickleball. The tournament’s age-diverse lineup reflects pickleball’s capacity to connect and engage players of all backgrounds and ages, inspiring new fans and competitors alike.
“Seeing players of different ages compete fiercely and cheer each other on is a testament to the inclusive and social nature of pickleball,” said Pranav Kohi, CEO of PWR. “This tournament breaks new ground in India, showing that pickleball is a sport for everyone.”
Looking Ahead: A Tournament of Unrivaled Excitement
With an incredible first day in the books, the PWR DUPR India Masters have set the bar high and can’t wait for the matches to come. The doubles and mixed doubles categories will be in full swing, with top talent from around the world ready to do battle on the DLTA courts. The global and local pickleball community continues to rally around this event, eagerly following daily developments as the tournament progresses.
All the action of The PWR DUPR India Masters live on Zoom and Mirror Now television channels and telecast digitally on Times Now (https://www.timesnownews.com/), Pickleball Now (www.pickleballnow.in), You Tube channel @Times Now, @MirrorNow, @ZoomTV, and @SportsNow. For all official scores, detailed match stats, and live updates, visit play.pwr.global.
Day 2 promises more action, friendlies and high-stakes matches, as the best in the sport continue their quest for victory on Indian soil.
About PWR DUPR Indian Masters
The PWR DUPR India Masters, a prestigious PWR 700 event, is a highlight of the PWR World Tour calendar, showcasing global and national pickleball talent. Established in the famous DLTA in New Delhi,
This tournament is a stepping stone for India as it embraces the pickleball movement a lot, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans to join the sport.
