Gurgaon : Indian Pickleball Association and Picklebay have announced that Picklebay Zonals – North has officially been designated as the selection event for Team India’s ‘Open’ Category for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup 2026, scheduled to take place in Da Nang, Vietnam from 30 August to 6 September 2026.
The announcement marks a major milestone for Indian pickleball and reinforces the growing global recognition of India’s competitive ecosystem within the sport.
Scheduled from 24th to 28th June 2026 at The Horizon x Courtplay, Gurgaon, Picklebay Zonals – North will be a PWR700 event sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association featuring a prize pool of INR 15 Lakhs across multiple categories.
Athletes selected from the tournament’s ‘Pro’ category will represent India in the Open category at the Pickleball World Cup 2026.
The Pickleball World Cup 2026 is expected to be one of the largest international pickleball events to date, with participation anticipated from over 80 countries. The tournament will also mark the first time the championship is being hosted in Vietnam, highlighting Asia’s rapidly growing importance in the global pickleball landscape.
Speaking on the development, Siddhant Jatia, Founder & CEO of Picklebay, said: “This is a defining moment for Indian pickleball. To have Picklebay Zonals – North serve as the official pathway for Team India’s Open category at the Pickleball World Cup 2026 reflects how rapidly the sport and its competitive ecosystem are evolving in the country.
At Picklebay, we have always believed that India needs structured tournaments, credible ranking systems, quality infrastructure, and clear athlete pathways to truly compete on the global stage. This announcement is a strong step in that direction.”
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), added: “The Picklebay Zonals marks a definitive milestone in our journey toward global competitive excellence. Picklebay has consistently set the gold standard for conducting premier tournaments in India, making them the natural and perfect partner for the Indian Pickleball Association’s official ‘Open’ category team selections.
As our national selection committee prepares to evaluate the absolute best talent the country has to offer, we are confident that this platform will unearth a powerhouse squad. The Pickleball World Cup 2026 in Vietnam represents a historic stage for Indian sports, and through the transparent, high-caliber environment of the Zonals, we are committed to sending a team that will make the entire nation proud.”
Picklebay Zonals – North is expected to attract India’s leading professional and emerging athletes, with the tournament offering not just prize money, but also the opportunity to earn selection to represent the country at one of the sport’s biggest international events.
Tournament Highlights:
INR 15 Lakhs Prize Pool
IPA – PWR700 Sanctioned Event
Multiple Skill and Age Categories
National-Level Professional Participation
The event is part of Picklebay’s broader vision to build a structured, participation-led sports ecosystem in India by integrating tournaments, infrastructure, technology, and community.