Maharashtra’s rising star Mihika Yadav arrived in Bengaluru for the IPA Nationals riding the momentum of a landmark bronze medal at the Pickleball World Cup in Florida.
Representing India on a global stage featuring competitors from 68 countries, she described the opportunity as an “utmost privilege.”
“First of all, it’s a huge honour and the utmost privilege an athlete can have – to represent their country on a world stage,” Yadav said, reflecting on her bronze medal in Florida. “I’m very grateful to the Indian Pickleball Association for giving me the opportunity, and winning the medal was just the icing on the cake.”
Yadav credited her success to the strong support system around her. “I had a very supportive team. A big thank you to Suryaveer sir, Dhiren sir, Manish Rao sir and all my teammates who supported me throughout the tournament. It was such a wonderful experience playing with all the top players,” she said.
The bronze medal in Florida has further elevated Yadav’s stature heading into the Nationals, where she will once again don Maharashtra colours. Stepping into the venue, she said the atmosphere immediately fuelled her competitive spirit.
“Again, it’s a matter of pride,” she said about the Nationals being hosted in Bengaluru, “I’m very excited to be representing
Maharashtra – it looks like an amazing facility. I’ve just stepped into the venue, and I can’t wait to compete tomorrow in the open singles category and the open mixed doubles with my partner, Stavya Bhasin.”
With her international success now behind her and a national title in sight, Yadav enters the IPA Nationals as one of the players to watch, an athlete who has proved she can hold her own on the global stage and is determined to carry that form into one of India’s biggest pickleball events.