Tag: Pickleball

Sports

M.S. Dhoni Inaugurates First 7Padel Centre in Chennai, Ushering a New Era for Padel in India

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Chennai | 7th August 2025

Former India skipper and cricket legend M.S. Dhoni has taken a big step into the world of sports entrepreneurship with the launch of his brand 7Padel. On Thursday, Dhoni inaugurated the first-ever 7Padel Centre in Palavakkam, ECR, Chennai, adjacent to Alphabet School on MGR Salai.

The sprawling 20,000 square feet facility is designed to promote both sport and wellness. It features:

  • Three premium padel courts
  • One pickleball court
  • Swimming pool
  • Fully equipped gym
  • Recovery room
  • On-site cafe
  • Sauna facilities

Dhoni was joined by Chennai Super Kings captain Ruturaj Gaikwad at the launch. Speaking at the event, Dhoni expressed his deep connection to Chennai:

“Chennai has always been special to me. The city has given me so much on and off the field, and it feels only right to launch my first padel centre here. Padel is exciting and addictive. More importantly, it’s inclusive and anyone, not just professionals, can try the sport. I want 7Padel to be a place where athletes, families, and fitness lovers all find their space.”

Why Padel?
Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world — a blend of tennis and squash, played on smaller enclosed courts, making it accessible to all age groups. With 7Padel, Dhoni aims to popularise the sport in India, making it a fun, engaging, and community-driven activity.

The Chennai centre will serve as the flagship for future 7Padel expansions across India, offering world-class infrastructure and fostering a growing padel community.

With Dhoni’s passion and vision, 7Padel is set to not only introduce this thrilling sport to India but also create spaces where fitness meets fun.

Sports

Anjuna Launches First Pickleball Court,

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Anjuna, Goa — August 1, 2025: The vibrant village of Anjuna has a new reason to celebrate. With the grand inauguration of its first-ever Pickleball court, the community has taken a significant step towards promoting health, unity, and recreation. The facility, inaugurated by the Oscar D’Souza family, marks a landmark addition to local infrastructure dedicated to wellness and sport.

Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is gaining momentum worldwide—and Anjuna is now on the map. The sport’s inclusive nature makes it appealing to both youth and elders, offering a high-energy but low-impact workout in a fun, social setting.

Since the inauguration, participation has surged. Youngsters are embracing the sport with energy, while seniors appreciate its gentle pace and health benefits. What’s more, the court is already becoming a place for neighbors to bond, relax, and thrive.

The Oscar D’Souza family shared their pride in supporting this initiative. “We hope this court inspires a lifestyle of wellness and active living,” they said. Their vision, along with community leaders, is that such spaces will continue to bring people together.

Local leaders praised the initiative for its focus on mental well-being and social cohesion, citing Pickleball as not just a game, but a new cultural connector for Anjuna.

As villagers rally around this game of paddles and quick footwork, one thing is certain: Anjuna’s love for Pickleball is just beginning.

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Meet Nishad Shevde: The Tennis Enthusiast Making Waves in Goa

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Nishad Shevde, a passionate tennis coach and player, is making a significant impact on Goa’s sports scene. With his SS Tennis Academy, he’s nurturing young talent and promoting a love for tennis among people of all ages.

Nishad’s love affair with tennis began when his father introduced him to the sport. He was fascinated by the game and spent hours watching tennis matches on TV, especially Wimbledon. As he grew older, Nishad’s passion for tennis only intensified, and he began participating in local tournaments.

Nishad believes in teaching proper techniques while ensuring his students have fun playing the game. He incorporates fitness into their training to prepare them for advanced levels. His approach is tailored to different age groups and skill levels, from young kids to recreational and competitive players.

Several students from SS Tennis Academy have achieved notable success, including:

  • Ethan de Ataide, winner of the Gadre Gaspar Open U-12 and Baale BPS Open U-10
  • Vivaan Agrawal, runner-up in the Panjim Gymkhana U-14
  • Adianta Devaraya and Kaivalya Devaraya, who are playing in All India Tennis Association (AITA) tournaments
  • Shaurya Verlekar, runner-up in the Gadre Gaspar Open U-12
  • Tvisha Sardesai, runner-up in the Baale BPS Open and one of the top female players in Goa

Nishad is also passionate about other sports, including football, cricket, and table tennis. He believes that passion and perseverance are essential for balancing multiple interests and pursuits. Nishad has represented Goa in table tennis tournaments and has won several titles.

Nishad is an advocate for pickleball, having introduced the sport in Goa. He sees immense potential for emerging sports like pickleball and believes they will play a significant role in shaping India’s sports landscape. Nishad has competed in national-level pickleball tournaments and has won the prestigious Triple Crown.

Nishad’s message to everyone is: “Don’t be limited in a world full of limitless opportunities.” He believes that with hard work, dedication, and passion, anyone can achieve their goals.

Nishad Shevde is a tennis coach and player from Goa. He is the founder of SS Tennis Academy and has represented Goa in various tennis tournaments. Nishad is also passionate about other sports, including football, cricket, and table tennis.

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Nihaal, Nishad and Simran Create Pickleball History in Goa; Nihaal, Nishad Win Trebles, Simran Wins Open Women’s Singles Title

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Panaji, January 2025 – Margao-based Nihaal Borkar and Nishad Shevde made pickleball history in Goa, winning trebles in the state’s first pickleball state championship held recently at the BPS Club in Margao.

Nihaal won triple crowns by pairing up with Ruta Borker to defeat Ehrlick De Ataide and Natasha Viegas De Ataide in the 35+ mixed doubles category, which saw nine pairs in contention. Nihaal and Ruta lost the first set 10-12, before winning two sets on the trot, 11-7, 11-9, to win the title. Of the nine teams in the fray in the men’s 35+ doubles category, the summit clash was won by Akhil Lawande and Nihaal Borkar, who defeated Chinmay Kantak and Ehrlick De Ataide 11-6, 11-6. The 35+ men’s singles category saw 11 players in the fray, with Nihaal Borkar defeating Noel Noronha 11-6, 11-5 in two straight sets in the final.

Nishad Shevde, the other participant to win the treble, won the open men’s singles title, which saw the participation of 22 players. He defeated Cleon Barreto 11-9, 11-3 in the category’s final match. Nishad and Sweta Kantak also went on to win the finals of the open mixed doubles with a score of 11-5,10-12, 11-2. Twenty one teams participated in the men’s open doubles category, with the pairing of Nishad Shevde and Ehrlick De Ataide defeating their opponents 11-8, 11-3.

Goa’s tennis ace Simran Bundela won the ladies singles category based on cumulative points against her three opponents who had registered to participate in the segment. Simran won the title on the back of 33 points scored and losing six. The scores for the remaining participants were Tvisha Sardesai (26-13), Solania (14-26) and Sumangali (5-33).

The recently concluded three-day championship, the first such event in the state featuring the world’s fastest-growing paddle sport of pickleball, was organised at the BPS Club in association with the Goa Pickleball Association and All India Pickleball Association (AIPA). The debut edition of the championship, which featured 10 categories, witnessed a huge turnout with 123 players across genders and age groups registering to participate in the event. The winners of all 10 categories shared a winning purse of Rs.1 lakh approximately.

The men’s 50+ doubles category witnessed the participation of nine teams, culminating in a thrilling clash between Lincoln Furtado and Willy Jaques against Clarence Noronha and Noel Noronha, with Clarence and Noel winning the final match 11-3, 7-11, 11-8.

The men’s singles 50+ category saw seven players in the ring, with Noel Noronha defeating Willy Jacques 11-7, 11-6 in the final.

The open ladies doubles category saw four teams participate with Audrey Menezes and Melanie Chowgule emerging victorious and clinching the title.