Mumbai Smashers Claim Top Honors in Inaugural India Pickleball League
The inaugural India Pickleball League concluded with Mumbai Smashers emerging as the champions after defeating Hyderabad Royals 5-1 in the finals. The league, sanctioned by the India Pickleball Association and backed by the Times Group, drew a talented mix of international players from the US, Australia, and Asia.
Among the top-ranked players featured in the league were six top APP players and several Australian circuit stars. However, it was the up-and-coming "Indian Rising Stars" who made an impressive impact on the tournament. The rosters of the teams were a perfect blend of experience and youth, with established players alongside debutants.
The Mumbai Smashers roster, led by Vietnamese player Quang Duong, showcased a strong combination of international picks, Pro India picks, and Indian Rising Stars picks. Their journey to the finals was not smooth sailing, as they started slowly, getting crushed 5-1 by Chennai Super Warriors on day one. However, they managed to squeak into the playoffs as the fourth seed based on tiebreakers.
In the semis, Hyderabad Royals upset Chennai Super Warriors, while Mumbai Smashers rallied for a win against Lucknow Leopards to secure a spot in the final. The stage was set for an exciting finale, and Mumbai Smashers did not disappoint. They put everything together and dominated Hyderabad 5-1, claiming their first-ever India Pickleball League title.
The tournament showcased the rapid growth of pickleball in India, with several "young pro" upsets against established international stars. The league has set a promising stage for future competitions, and fans can look forward to witnessing more exciting matches in the coming years.
The inaugural India Pickleball League concluded with Mumbai Smashers emerging as the champions after defeating Hyderabad Royals 5-1 in the finals. The league, sanctioned by the India Pickleball Association and backed by the Times Group, drew a talented mix of international players from the US, Australia, and Asia.
Among the top-ranked players featured in the league were six top APP players and several Australian circuit stars. However, it was the up-and-coming "Indian Rising Stars" who made an impressive impact on the tournament. The rosters of the teams were a perfect blend of experience and youth, with established players alongside debutants.
The Mumbai Smashers roster, led by Vietnamese player Quang Duong, showcased a strong combination of international picks, Pro India picks, and Indian Rising Stars picks. Their journey to the finals was not smooth sailing, as they started slowly, getting crushed 5-1 by Chennai Super Warriors on day one. However, they managed to squeak into the playoffs as the fourth seed based on tiebreakers.
In the semis, Hyderabad Royals upset Chennai Super Warriors, while Mumbai Smashers rallied for a win against Lucknow Leopards to secure a spot in the final. The stage was set for an exciting finale, and Mumbai Smashers did not disappoint. They put everything together and dominated Hyderabad 5-1, claiming their first-ever India Pickleball League title.
The tournament showcased the rapid growth of pickleball in India, with several "young pro" upsets against established international stars. The league has set a promising stage for future competitions, and fans can look forward to witnessing more exciting matches in the coming years.