Pune’s Nitten Kirrtane Creates History: Wins Double Gold for India at Pickleball World Cup in Florida

Pune | 6 November 2025: Pune’s celebrated tennis ace-turned-pickleball star Nitten Kirrtane has created history by winning two gold medals for India at the Pickleball World Cup held in Florida, USA, from October 26 to November 3. The global championship witnessed participation from 68 countries.

Kirrtane secured Gold in the 50+ Men’s Singles and Gold in the 50+ Men’s Doubles, where he partnered with Suryaveer Bhullar, President of the Pickleball Association of India. With this remarkable achievement, Kirrtane becomes the only Indian athlete to win world titles in two different sports, Tennis and Pickleball.

Speaking on his return to India, Kirrtane said:
“Life has come a full circle for me. Florida has always been lucky; I won my first Tennis World title here in 2018. To now win the Pickleball World Cup in the same place makes it truly special.”

Kirrtane, who has represented India in the Davis Cup and played alongside legends like Leander Paes and Mahesh Bhupathi, continues to inspire athletes with his passion, discipline, and longevity in sport.

He also emphasised the growing potential of Pickleball in India:
“The sport is expanding rapidly in the USA and has great scope in India too. I hope Indian pickleball players receive more recognition and support. We are proudly competing for the country on the world stage.”

His double-gold victory is expected to boost the popularity of Pickleball in India, especially among young athletes looking to explore emerging global sports.