Lucknow Leopards’ star Mihika Yadav says the inaugural Indian Pickleball League has already begun reshaping the sport in the country, especially for young women looking for a pathway to professional competition.
Speaking after her campaign, Mihika said the week-long experience was transformative both on and off the court.
“You know, first of all, it’s an honour, like it’s a privilege to be part of the Indian Pickleball League. I was just so happy to be part of India’s first official league, and then my team believed in me and allowed me to go out and compete in singles, showing faith in my ability. So just positives, and just, you know, I’ve learned so much over the past seven days being part of a team with such experienced players like Ryler DeHeart,and Shelby Bates, who are competing at the highest level. So nothing but a big learning experience, and I think I’m going to walk out a new, different player after the league.”
Mihika said the league has created visibility, opportunity and confidence for women in the sport, opening the door for a new generation of Indian players.
“Definitely. You know I’ve always said this is something I’ve spoken about time and time again. I really, really hope that more women and more young girls get into sports because the potential is immense, and we have it in us to play at the highest level. We have to believe in ourselves. With the right support and with the awareness that the league has created, I think that’s going to motivate and inspire people to pick up a paddle and play.”
With standout performances and an increasingly strong women’s field, IPBL 2025 has positioned itself as a catalyst for broader participation and future talent in Indian pickleball.
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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