The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has officially announced the commencement of its formal selection process to identify and field India's strongest contingent for the Pickleball World Cup (PWC) 2026. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6, 2026.
Comprehensive Selection Across Categories
The selection will cover all competitive categories, including Open, 50+, 60+, and Juniors. This marks one of the most comprehensive national team campaigns India has mounted in the sport. Performances at the IPA National Championships, along with results from the full calendar of sanctioned events up to and including the Picklebay Zonals, will serve as key benchmarks. The Picklebay Zonals, conducted under IPA sanction, will be the final qualifying event before the squad is finalized.
Previous World Cup Success
At the previous World Cup held in the United States, India's first-ever appearance on the global stage, Team India delivered a stunning performance, securing 25 medals (8 Gold, 8 Silver, 9 Bronze). The team finished 7th in the overall medals tally and emerged as the only Asian nation in the top 10. The selection process for Vietnam is designed to honor that standard and raise it further.
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association, stated: "The announcement builds on a landmark moment in Indian pickleball. At the previous World Cup held in the United States, India's first-ever appearance at the global stage, Team India delivered a stunning performance, securing 25 medals (8 Gold, 8 Silver, 9 Bronze), finishing 7th in the overall medals tally, and emerging as the only Asian nation in the top 10. The selection process for Vietnam is designed to honour that standard and raise it further."
Selection Committee and Criteria
The selection of the national squad will be conducted by the IPA Selection Committee through a structured, performance-first process. This includes past performances in IPA sanctioned events. The committee will prioritize players with top-tier global standings, ensuring India is represented by its most competitive athletes across Singles, Doubles, and Mixed Doubles disciplines. Fitness and current match-form will be assessed in parallel. Every shortlisted player will be required to sign a formal Performance Agreement with the IPA, committing to physical standards befitting international competition, adherence to the IPA Code of Conduct, and full medical transparency. The Selection Committee reserves the right to exercise Wild Card selections for players who demonstrate exceptional potential or offer strategic value to the squad's combination.
Junior Category Trials
For the Junior category, IPA will conduct a dedicated selection trial event in Ahmedabad from June 12 to 14. The outcome of this trial, combined with year-long performances across IPA-sanctioned events, will determine the Junior squad for Vietnam.
Strategic Partnership with Lucknow Leopards
The selected Indian National Team will officially be backed by the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) franchise, Lucknow Leopards, for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup. The franchise will serve as the principal benefactor for Team India in the highly anticipated Open category, ensuring the nation's top athletes can compete on the world's grandest stage. This strategic partnership underscores the Lucknow Leopards' core philosophy of giving back to the grassroots and professional ecosystem of pickleball in India. By backing the national squad, the franchise aims to bridge the gap between domestic league success and international glory.
