India’s first ever international team for Padel, selected by the Indian Padel Academy, finished third place in the first edition of the Asia Pacific Padel Cup, which was played in Bali from September 19 to 22, 2024.
Indian defeated Malaysia 3-0 in the bronze medal match to finish behind Philippines and Indonesia in the six-nation event. The other participating countries were China and Singapore.
After a four-day camp at the JSW Inspire Institute in Vijayanagar under Spanish head coach Victor Perez, the Indian team, accompanied by coach Imran Yusoof and manager Rithik Sinha, have put the country on the international padel map.
Aryan Goveas and Rahul Motwani, who opened all the matches for India, began strongly in the bronze medal match against Malysia, winning 4-6, 6-4, 7-5. Tulsi Mehta and Vaibhavi Deshmukh made it 2-0 for India, winning their encounter 6-2, 7-6 (1), while the second girls pairing of Jenai Billimoria and Johan Fernandes wrapped up the best of five tie, with an easy 6-0, 6-1 victory.
The team was also supported by PadelPark India, JSW Inspire Institute, Godrej Properties, Akbar Travels and Akbar Holidays, Babolat and Dream Set Go.