India’s U14 pickleball team had a sensational campaign at the 2026 World Cup in Da Nang, Vietnam. It was the perfect opportunity for them to play the sport on an international stage and also compete against players from different countries.
For Praathnaa Motiani, the World Cup was like walking into a big stadium surrounded by different national teams, and it was a memorable experience.
Speaking to Pickleball Now, she said, “Getting to play for Team India and having to experience what playing in a big stadium alongside so many other countries was exhilarating.”
The tournament’s level of competition also left an impression on her.
“The tournament was so well organised, everything started on time and was just perfect,” she said.
Motiani also learned not only from her matches, but also from watching other players.
“Honestly, the competition there was great,” she said.
“There is a lot that I have learnt from this tournament and how other people play too.”
‘Players were really good and every single person knew how to play’
For Viransh Chopra, the Pickleball World Cup was his first international tournament. The 14-year-old got the opportunity to experience the sport at a different level.
“It was a great experience, being my first international tournament. It was really nice to see pickleball being celebrated over there, and the level over there was crazy,” he said.
Speaking about the competitive level, he added, “The competitive level over there was very high because the players were really good and every single person knew how to play.”
Meanwhile, Kaveer Mehta found the chance to interact with players from around the world special.
“My experience in the 2026 World Cup was fantastic, super competitive and thrilling,” Mehta said.
“I was so excited to meet so many different players from different countries and make really good friends.”
The World Cup offered the perfect opportunity for India’s U14 players to showcase their skills and also learn from other players.