Focus and discipline are the catchwords for India’s Pickleball World Cup-bound players. Maanasi Karthik is no different. The player from Salem, Tamil Nadu, is set to represent India in the Under-14 team event.
She has been selected by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) along with seven other teenagers in the squad after she won the U14 Girls Doubles title at the Junior Pickleball Championship in Ahmedabad in June with Mahika Rathod.
The much-anticipated World Cup is set to be held in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6.
The reigning Under-14 girls’ singles champion at the IPA Nationals in Bengaluru, Maanasi is leaving nothing to chance as she gears up for Asia’s first Pickleball World Cup. Her preparation is meticulous, with a sharp focus on cutting down unforced errors and learning to slow the game down rather than always rushing for the kill.
“I have been preparing with a lot of focus and discipline. Right now, I am mainly working on reducing my unforced errors and learning to slow down my game when needed instead of always playing fast,” Maanasi told Pickleball Now.
“I am also focusing more on my cross-court drops because I feel they can help me control rallies and create better opportunities. I have also been working on my consistency, decision-making and movement on the court,” she added.
Focus on movement
Her training, prepared by her coach Rocky, focuses on polishing her footwork and technique, perfecting shots at the kitchen line and improving her movement. While fine-tuning her strokes is important, developing a sense of positioning, especially in doubles, is equally crucial.
“My training includes a lot of footwork drills, box drills and movement exercises. I am also mainly focusing on improving my overhead and making it more consistent and effective. Along with technical training, I work on my overall game, fitness and match situations,” she articulated.
“My coach works closely with me on my technique, footwork, consistency, shot selection and match strategies. He also motivates me to stay focused, disciplined and confident,” Maanasi added.
No sign of nerves
There is, however, little sign of nerves ahead of her World Cup debut. Instead, Maanasi is relishing the opportunity to compete on the global stage and test herself against players from across the world.
“I am very excited to play my first World Cup. It is a big opportunity for me, and I am really looking forward to experiencing the tournament and competing against players from different countries. I don’t feel nervous. Instead, I feel excited and motivated to go out there, enjoy the experience and give my best for India,” she added.
The dream of representing India on the international stage is a special one for Maanasi.
“Wearing the India jersey is a very proud and special moment for me. When I think about representing my country, I feel very happy and grateful,” she said.
Strong support system
Behind Maanasi’s rise is a strong backroom team comprising her parents and coaches. Their hard work and commitment to nurturing her into an elite youth-level player have finally paid off, with the youngster now set to compete on the international stage.
She is well aware of their contribution. “I feel very proud to have this opportunity, and I want to represent India with confidence, discipline and respect,” she said.
“My family has been extremely important in my journey. They are my biggest support system. They encourage me whenever I have a tournament, training session or a difficult day. My parents make a lot of sacrifices to support my training and tournaments, and they always motivate me to keep working hard.
They don’t put pressure on me to win every match. Instead, they tell me to give my best, learn from every experience and keep improving. Whatever I achieve today is because of the support and encouragement I receive from my family, coaches and everyone who believes in me. I am very thankful to all of them,” she noted.
Her ultimate ambition is to play professional pickleball and represent India in the Open team. For now, she is also navigating the challenge of balancing academics with sport.
“Balancing school and training can sometimes be challenging, but I try to plan my time properly. I understand that education is also important, so I make sure I give proper attention to both my studies and pickleball. I am grateful to my coaches and family for helping me manage both,” said the Class 9 student.
As she now heads to Vietnam, Maanasi’s target will be to return home with a medal – a fitting reward for the hard work she has put in and the support of the team behind her.