Smashing Start to Day 1 of PWR DUPR India Masters at DLTA in New Delhi

The PWR DUPR India Masters opened its doors to an electrified crowd on Thursday at the historic Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) courts, marking the much-anticipated start of one of the most exciting pickleball tournaments in India’s history. As the sport’s popularity surges across the nation, the PWR DUPR India Masters has become a celebration of the talent, diversity, and unity in the pickleball community.

Day 1’s events were all about singles play, with high-caliber athletes going head-to-head in the Men’s Singles and Women’s Singles categories in the Open (Pro) division. Adding to the excitement, age group categories for players 35+, 50+, 60+, as well as an Intermediate bracket, underscored pickleball’s vast appeal and inclusivity, with each match drawing eager fans and creating unforgettable moments on the court.

“India’s pickleball scene is on fire,” said Tournament Director Mihir Khandelwal,. “It’s incredible to witness the skill level here and to know that this tournament is just the beginning of India’s journey to becoming a global player in pickleball.”

Fierce Competitions and Unmatched Energy

In the highly competitive Pro division, the spotlight was on the thrilling showdown between two of India’s pickleball titans, Armaan Bhatia and Aditya Ruhela. Fans were treated to an intense display of athleticism, as Bhatia narrowly triumphed over Ruhela with scores of 11-10, 9-11, 11-5. The match had spectators on the edge of their seats, and it was clear from the players’ mutual respect and sportsmanship that the sport’s spirit was alive and well on the DLTA courts. This match, already considered one of the tournament’s most gripping, is sure to be a benchmark for future competitions.

Bhatia’s winning streak continued as he bested Willy Chung in the semifinals, delivering an impressive performance with a swift 11-4, 11-1 victory that secured his place in the finals. Awaiting him in the ultimate showdown is none other than the tournament’s top-seeded player, Dusty Boyer. Boyer earned his spot by overcoming Australia’s Tom Evans in another nail-biting semifinal match, which concluded with scores of 11-7, 4-11, 11-8. This anticipated final matchup is expected to bring unprecedented excitement on Sunday, promising a masterclass in pickleball skill and strategy.

On the Women’s side, Pei-Chuan Kao of Chinese Taipei seized her semifinal victory against Dutch player Roos Van Reek in a challenging contest that ended 11-6, 4-11, 11-4. The second semifinal saw

Sofia Sewing of the United States narrowly defeat Somer Dalla-Bona of Australia with a consistent and powerful 11-9, 11-9 finish, setting the stage for an intense final on Sunday.

Age Group Competitions Highlight the Sport’s Broad Appeal

The tournament also celebrated seasoned players in age group categories (35+, 50+, and 60+), as well as Intermediate-level matches. These divisions brought their own brand of excitement, with each player demonstrating their honed skills and passion for pickleball. The tournament’s age-diverse lineups illustrate pickleball’s capacity to connect and engage players of all backgrounds and ages, inspiring new fans and competitors alike.

“Seeing players from such a wide range of ages competing fiercely and cheering each other on is a testament to the inclusive and social nature of pickleball,” said Pranav Kohi, CEO of PWR. “This tournament is breaking new ground in India, showing that pickleball is a sport for everyone.”

Looking Ahead: A Tournament of Unmatched Excitement

With an incredible first day in the books, the PWR DUPR India Masters has set a high standard and ignited anticipation for the matches to come. Doubles and mixed doubles categories will be underway soon, with top-tier talent from around the world ready to battle it out on the DLTA courts. The global and local pickleball communities continue to rally around this event, eagerly following each day’s developments as the tournament progresses.

All the action of The PWR DUPR India Masters is live on Zoom and Mirror Now television channels and digitally streamed on Times Now (https://www.timesnownews.com/), Pickleball Now (www.pickleballnow.in), You Tube channels @Times Now, @MirrorNow, @ZoomTV, and @SportsNow. For all official scores, detailed match statistics, and live updates, visit play.pwr.global.

Day 2 promises more action, camaraderie, and high-stakes matches, as the best in the sport continue to strive for victory on Indian soil.

About PWR DUPR India Masters

The PWR DUPR India Masters, a prestigious PWR 700 event, is a highlight on the PWR World Tour calendar, showcasing top global and national pickleball talent. Hosted at New Delhi’s renowned DLTA,

this tournament is a stepping stone for India as it embraces the growing pickleball movement, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans to join the sport.

Pickelball’s popularity surges across the nation, thanks to PWR DUPR India Masters. Continue reading …Read More