Rashein Samuel delivered a commanding performance to clinch the men’s singles title at the Team 16 Pickleball Power Play, defeating Vishwajit Tirumurti 15-3 in a one-sided final.
Speaking to Pickleball Now after the match, Samuel credited his tactical focus on forehand play for the emphatic result. “A lot of my focus was on my forehands, trying to convert, wrap around, and hit clean forehand drives just over the net,” he said. “I wanted to keep it as clinical as possible, and I think it worked.”
Samuel also acknowledged the quality of competition throughout the tournament, particularly his opponents in the latter stages. “All the opponents were good. If you give them space, it becomes hard. I tried to stay on top, take control early, and maintain that pressure,” he explained, noting the challenge posed by strong passing shots and drives.
Beyond the final, Samuel reflected on the rapid growth of pickleball in India, pointing to the sport’s expansion beyond major metros. “It’s hitting Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities now. That’s where you’ll see a lot of raw talent come through,” he said. “If the sport keeps growing with the same energy and community vibe, India will produce players who can compete internationally.”
Samuel also shared a message for young players, urging them to stay active and fearless on court. “Fight for every point, be aggressive with your legs, and most importantly, have fun,” he said.
The men’s singles champion also praised the organisation of the Chennai event, calling it a well-run tournament with a strong atmosphere. “Good crowd, good referees, and a great environment, it was a lot of fun to play here,” Samuel added.
The Team 16 Pickleball Power Play 2026, a PWR 200 event sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), was held at the Go Play Sports Hub in Chennai from January 10-11.
About Indian Pickleball Association:
The Indian Pickleball Association is the official governing body for pickleball in India and is dedicated to promoting, developing, and organising the sport across the country. The association continues to inspire players of all ages and skill levels to embrace the game through events like the IPA Nationals. IPA is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).
About Pickleball World Ranking:
PWR is a national ranking system that spans all age groups, skill divisions, and formats -including singles, doubles, and mixed categories. It serves as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India. With multiple sanctioned events taking place every week across the country, PWR defines the top Indian players at every level and forms the foundation for team selection at the school, district, state, and national stages.
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