22, March: The Nepal Super League (NSL) and Pickleball Association Nepal (PAN) collaborated to organise an international pickleball competition in Nepal for the first time. It raised the bar for skill and rivalry and resulted in Nepal becoming the winner of the 2024 International Pickleball Championship. A total of 120 pickleball players from eight different nations showed up at the Nepal Tennis Association court in Satdobato, Lalitpur. The Nepal International Open Tournament 2024 was an incredible event that happened from March 8–9, 2024. The competition, which was organised in cooperation with the NSL and the PAN, drew players from all over the world, demonstrating the sport’s growing appeal and global reach.

Participating in this magnificent occasion were eight countries: Nepal, Britain, America, India, Singapore, Thailand, Portugal, and Spain. There were three categories in play for this competition: advanced, intermediate, and amateur. Participants competed in the male and female singles, doubles, and mixed categories for the ages 19+, 35+, 50+, and 60+. The wide range of participants added to the event and showed how pickleball can bring people together from all backgrounds and cultures. 

Although pickleball originated in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, WA, in the United States, its popularity has grown over time due to its appropriate and suitable sports nature, which appeals to people of all ages, genders, and physical strengths. Similarly, pickleball is becoming more and more popular in South Asian countries, particularly India and Nepal, where its popularity is also rising quickly and pickleball players are increasing in number. The tournament proceeded with much passion and energy, with Nepal winning an astounding 53 medals (20 gold, 13 silver, and 20 bronze). This accomplishment showed the depth of talent and dedication in the competition, in addition to highlighting the pickleball expertise of the host country. The NSL and PAN’s victory in pickleball as champions was a testament to the team’s commitment and diligence as they prevailed over a tough field to take first place. India finished second in the medal standings with 36 medals, consisting of nine gold, 16 silver, and 11 bronze. The Indian contingent’s performance demonstrated the nation’s dedication to pickleball and its rise to prominence on the global pickleball scene.

Singapore, with seven gold, one silver, and four bronze medals, stood triumphantly in third place. The Singaporean delegation not only enhanced the championship’s fierce atmosphere but also demonstrated the sport’s universal appeal beyond national borders. With five gold, twelve silver, and fourteen bronze medals, the United Kingdom took fourth place overall in the medal standings. The British competitors enhanced the tournament’s diversity with their outstanding skills and sportsmanship.

With nine medals in all—five gold and four silver—Thailand completed the top five. The competitors from Thailand showcased their pickleball skills, leaving their imprint on the global scene and adding to the championship’s overall success. During the pickleball closing ceremony, Navin Gurung, an international patron for the PAN, acknowledged and praised a few dedicated members during the special function for their outstanding contribution to this event. He expressed gratitude for their tireless and exhausting hours of effort towards making the pickleball tournament successful and meaningful. A select group of Nepali team members received a small token of appreciation for their exceptional effort and resilience. These individuals worked tirelessly to elevate the pickleball championship to new heights through their unwavering dedication and hard work.

During the closing ceremony, various experts spoke about the value and growing popularity of pickleball, especially among young people. They highlighted the promising future prospects for the sport. They acknowledged that the collaborative efforts of all relevant stakeholders were instrumental in elevating this very interesting game to new heights in Nepal.

The participants stressed that additional promotional efforts are necessary to mould pickleball into an emerging trend that appeals to people of all ages and genders throughout Nepal. 

This tournament was the first International Pickleball Championship held in Nepal, which was a significant advancement in the nation’s efforts to grow and promote the sport. According to Saurav Bhandari, the President of PAN, over a hundred pickleball players are currently trained and supervised by the organisation. Bhandari highlighted PAN’s commitment to developing talent within the sport. He emphasised the organisation’s goal of building a thriving pickleball community in Nepal.

The competition itself provided a stage for players from all backgrounds to collaborate and exchange cultures, in addition to demonstrating their athletic skills. The ideal setting for this celebration of brotherhood and sportsmanship was the National Tennis Court in Lalitpur. 

The Nepal International Pickleball Championship-2024 was a great success because of the careful preparation and execution of the organisers, individuals, sponsors, countries, technical team, Tennis Association Nepal organising team, logistic, operational, and administrative staff, and the players’ passion, dedication, and commitment. 

The rise in pickleball’s global popularity makes events like these crucial for the sport’s development. 

It is imperative that we support the PAN in its establishment and secure governmental backing for a sustainable future. This will enable Nepal to compete in future Olympic Games, win medals, and enhance the country’s international sporting reputation, an area that has been lacking in recent years.

PAN is still in its formative stages and requires guidance to achieve its intended milestone of future recognition. The government should provide players with opportunities to participate worldwide and inspire the next generation of pickleball players to make history. 

(Khadka is a retired lieutenant colonel of the Nepal Army and a pickleball player.)