Mumbai, May 3, 2026: The Maharashtra Pickleball Association (MPA), under the aegis of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), has officially unveiled the Maharashtra Open 2026, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the state. The tournament, certified by Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), was inaugurated at the Andheri Sports Complex in the presence of Maharashtra’s Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar.

A Landmark Event for Pickleball in Maharashtra

The three-day championship, held from May 1 to May 3, has attracted over 1,000 participants across more than 30 categories, highlighting the rapid rise of pickleball in the state. The event features top players, including Arjun Singh and Aditya Singh, who recently secured three gold medals at the US Open Pickleball Championship in Naples, Florida. Also competing is India’s second-ranked Women’s Singles professional player Mihika Yadav, further elevating the tournament’s competitive stature.

Winners from the Maharashtra Open 2026 will earn the opportunity to represent the state at the upcoming National Championship, adding further significance to the competition.

Leadership Vision and Growth Momentum

Speaking at the inauguration, MPA President Rahool Kanal emphasized the sport’s rapid growth in the region. He noted that pickleball in Maharashtra is at a crucial growth phase, with the association surpassing 750 members within its first month. Hosting a PWR-certified tournament with over 1,000 participants reflects the sport’s expanding footprint and the association’s long-term vision of making Maharashtra a leading force in Indian pickleball.

Minister Ashish Shelar praised the initiative, stating that Maharashtra continues to lead in sports and cultural development. He highlighted that hosting a globally certified tournament in its inaugural year with such participation is a remarkable achievement and reaffirmed the government’s support for the sport’s growth in the state.

Champions Crowned in Pro Singles Categories

The Pro Singles events witnessed high-intensity matches, with Aahana Punjabi clinching the Women’s Singles title and Atharva Khisti emerging victorious in the Men’s Singles category.

Aahana Punjabi showcased exceptional consistency and control, defeating Priyanka Mehta in the final with strong baseline play. On the men’s side, Atharva Khisti triumphed over Arush Niture in the finals, following a dominant run that included a victory over veteran Vishal Jadhav. Notably, Arush Niture created a major upset earlier in the tournament by defeating Arjun Singh in the semi-finals.

Driving Pickleball’s Future in India

The Maharashtra Open 2026 represents a significant step forward for the MPA and IPA, underlining the sport’s growing popularity and structured development in the state. With increasing participation, rising player standards, and a focus on expanding the sport into Tier-2 and Tier-3 districts, the MPA aims to establish Maharashtra as a powerhouse of pickleball in India.

As the tournament concludes its successful inaugural edition, it sets a strong foundation for the future of pickleball, both within the state and across the country.