Overview
- The inaugural Indian Pickleball League ran December 1–7 at New Delhi’s KD Jadhav Indoor Hall and ended with the Mumbai Smashers defeating the Hyderabad Royals 5–1 in the final.
- Hyderabad captain Megan Fudge was named Female MVP after clutch performances that included a golden‑point 15–14 singles win, with Roos Van Reek recognized for an unbeaten singles run in league play.
- Players from India and overseas praised seamless organization, top‑tier hospitality and production, and fan‑friendly elements such as grand team entries, music and the Grand Rally format.
- Coaches and athletes spotlighted a distinct Indian style—fast hands at the net and frequent backhand flicks—while citing fitness, aggression, adaptability and mental resilience as key areas to elevate, with young talents like Pearl and Naomi Amalsadiwala and Arjun Singh drawing notice.
- Mumbai GM Matthew Nola emphasized culture, trust and timing as the foundation of the champions’ growth arc, as owners and participants expressed confidence that IPBL’s media reach has accelerated the sport’s commercial and grassroots momentum in India.