Defeat top seeds in U-18 doubles to win India’s first gold; Naga Moksha secures bronze
Punjab Newsline,Sports :
India’s young talents Arjun Singh and Aditya Singh created history by winning the country’s first gold medal at the US Open Pickleball Championship 2026. Competing in Naples, Florida, the Indian duo delivered a dominant performance in the U-18 boys’ doubles final, defeating top-seeded Americans Ryder Brown and Soli Messiri in straight sets 11-1, 11-5. In their debut appearance at the prestigious tournament, Arjun and Aditya showcased remarkable confidence and aggressive gameplay, emerging as rising stars on the international stage.
After their historic win, the duo described the achievement as a special moment for them and their families, highlighting the hard work and dedication behind their success. They also expressed gratitude to the Indian Pickleball Association and the Maharashtra Pickleball Association for providing them with the opportunity to compete at such a high level.
India also celebrated success in the women’s singles category, where Naga Moksha clinched a bronze medal after a closely fought contest, adding to the country’s medal tally. Notably, this marks India’s first official participation at the tournament under the banner of the Indian Pickleball Association, making the achievement even more significant.
In the U-18 boys’ doubles event, India fielded three pairs — Arjun Singh/Aditya Singh, Jeet Sood/Yuvraj Singh, and Panth Thakkar/Atharva Sheth — all considered underdogs due to their first-time participation. Panth and Atharva impressed with a top-eight finish before bowing out, while Jeet and Yuvraj exited in the round of 32.
Indian Pickleball Association President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar termed the victory a strong statement of India’s growing potential in the sport, expressing confidence that the country could dominate pickleball globally in the future. Meanwhile, other Indian players, including Purvansh Patel, Mihika Yadav, and Dhiren Patel, are set to begin their campaigns, further boosting India’s presence at the tournament.