The growing sport of pickleball in India found another star moment in Lucknow, as Sana Surangana Asthana claimed the women’s singles crown at the prestigious Lucknow Open Pickleball. The final, played at the Let’s Pickle arena on Sunday, saw Sana deliver a commanding performance against Katyayani Mishra, sealing the match with an emphatic 11-2 victory.

A Milestone Victory for Sana

Sana’s triumph at this IPA-sanctioned PWR 50 event underlined her dominance and composure on the court. Known for her sharp reflexes and consistency, Sana maintained control throughout the match, leaving little room for her opponent to recover. Along with the coveted title, she also earned a winner’s prize of Rs 5,000, while Katyayani, the spirited runner-up, took home Rs 3,000 for her impressive journey in the tournament.

Despite the result, Katyayani’s path to the final has been celebrated as well. She showcased resilience and competitive flair, proving her potential as one of the promising faces of women’s pickleball in India.

Lucknow Open: Boosting Pickleball’s Presence in India

The Lucknow Open Pickleball stands as more than just a competition — it is a platform to energise the pickleball community in Uttar Pradesh. The two-day event brought together first-timers as well as experienced campaigners, creating balanced and competitive fixtures across singles and doubles categories.

Events like this underline the rise of pickleball as an inclusive and fast-growing sport in India, appealing to players across age groups and skill levels. With growing participation, the tournament also strengthens the competitive ecosystem, offering professional recognition to emerging athletes.

Role of the Indian Pickleball Association

The championship was officially recognised by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the governing body for pickleball in India. IPA has been at the forefront of nurturing the game, ensuring structured competitions, and providing official rankings through its affiliation with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).

Through events like the Lucknow Open and the IPA Nationals, the association aims not only to promote the game but also to build a pathway for Indian players to shine on international stages.

Understanding PWR: The National Ranking Framework

The Lucknow Open was part of the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) circuit, designated as a PWR 50 event. PWR is India’s official national ranking system that spans across different ages, skill divisions, and formats — singles, doubles, and mixed doubles.

These rankings form the backbone of player selection at the district, state, and national levels, ensuring that consistent performers are recognised and rewarded. For athletes like Sana and Katyayani, their performances at such events not only bring prize money but also help in cementing their rank and visibility in the Indian pickleball circuit.

Women Athletes Leading the Way

The final between Sana Surangana Asthana and Katyayani Mishra also reflects the growing presence of women in sports. As pickleball grows in India, greater visibility of women athletes at such tournaments inspires wider participation, setting the stage for more talent to enter the game. The sports community has acknowledged this win as a step forward for inclusivity and recognition of women’s achievements in non-mainstream sports.

A Defining Victory and a Brighter Future

Sana Surangana Asthana’s emphatic win at the Lucknow Open Pickleball has not only given her a personal milestone but also added impetus to the sport’s rising popularity in India. With the consistent efforts of IPA and global collaborations, pickleball is positioning itself as a competitive, engaging, and accessible game for all.

As Sana lifted her trophy in Lucknow, it was clear that the spirit of pickleball in India is only growing stronger, paving the way for bigger tournaments, greater recognition, and new champions in the times ahead.

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