The highly anticipated PWR DUPR India Masters 2024 tournament kicks off today at the RK Khanna Tennis Stadium in Delhi. This international pickleball event, running from October 24 to October 27, brings together 750 players from around the world, all competing for a grand prize of $50,000. The tournament is part of the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) World Tour, which promotes pickleball as a global sport, similar to the way tennis is organized with the ATP and WTA.
This is PWR’s first event in India after the successful launch of the PWR World Tour in Dubai earlier this year. The Dubai event in July 2024 attracted international pickleball executives, top-ranked players, and PWR’s lead investor, The Times Group. Now, the focus has shifted to India, where the sport is gaining rapid popularity, particularly with the youth.
What Makes PWR DUPR India Masters Special?
The India Masters tournament is set to be a landmark event for pickleball in India. With 750 players participating, including international stars like Dustin Boyer and Phuc Huynh from the USA, Roos Van Reek from the Netherlands, and Mitch Hargreaves and Emilia Schmidt from Australia, the competition is sure to be fierce. India’s own top players, such as Armaan Bhatia and Aditya Ruhela, are also competing, further adding to the excitement.
This tournament will provide players the opportunity to earn up to 700 ranking points, which will be valid for a year. These points are crucial for players’ global standings, as they affect their seeding in future tournaments. The event is also hosting the PWR Battle of the Leagues, where 2 men’s and 2 women’s teams will compete across different categories, adding another layer of competition.
Growth of Pickleball in India
Pickleball has been growing at a rapid pace in India, and this event is expected to further boost its popularity. According to Pranav Kohli, CEO of PWR, the India Masters is not just about competition—it’s also about fostering a love for the game and building a strong community of players and fans. Kohli believes this tournament will help establish pickleball as one of India’s favorite sports across all age groups.
Vineet Jain of The Times Group also sees huge potential for pickleball in India. He stated that the sport is fast becoming one of the country’s most popular activities and that this tournament will serve as an inspiration for many more players to take up pickleball as a full-time career.
Live Coverage and Streaming for Fans
For those unable to attend the event in person, PWR has made sure the matches will be accessible to a wider audience. The PWR DUPR India Masters will be broadcast live on Zoom and Mirror Now, while online streams will be available on Times Now, Pickleball Now, and YouTube channels such as @ZoomTV and @SportsNowHindi.
How Pickleball World Rankings Work
The Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) is a system that allows players to earn points by participating in various PWR World Tour events. Players can qualify for the prestigious PWR World Series based on their points, similar to tennis’ ATP and WTA structures. PWR tournaments are categorized by point levels—ranging from PWR50 to PWR2000—offering players the chance to gradually improve their ranking.
The India Masters event is a PWR700-level tournament, making it one of the more prestigious stops on the tour. Players who perform well here will improve their global standing and boost their chances of qualifying for top-tier tournaments in the future.
With world-class players, exciting matches, and substantial prize money on offer, the PWR DUPR India Masters promises to be a thrilling event that will play a pivotal role in the continued growth of pickleball in India. Fans and aspiring players alike will find plenty to enjoy and learn from in this prestigious tournament.
