Guwahati: Assam registered an impressive performance at the Pickleball Nationals in Bengaluru, securing a series of major victories, including two gold medals by women athletes — a milestone achievement for the state.
A 25-member contingent from Assam participated in the championship held from November 13 to 16.
The tournament was hosted by Karnataka Pickleball Association under the aegis of the Indian Pickleball Association, recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports & Sports Authority of India.
The event saw participation from 1,100 athletes across the country. Competitors vied for national honours in both team and individual events, covering categories from U-12 to 70+.
In the 30+ Women’s Singles category, Anangsha Alomyan emerged as the national champion after a dominant campaign that included a significant semifinal upset against top seed Priyanka Mehta of Maharashtra, whom she defeated 11–7. She maintained her momentum in the final to secure the gold medal for Assam.
Assam also clinched gold in the U16 Girls Doubles event, where the young pair of Nayeem Hussain and Prapti Baruah delivered an impressive performance. The duo showcased excellent coordination and confidence, defeating Madhya Pradesh’s Aanshi Sanmanvi and Ashriyaa Singh 11–3 to claim the national title.
In the U16 Girls Team event, Assam secured a silver medal. The team—comprising Prapti Baruah, Nayeem Hussain and Utpalakshee Saikia—topped their group with wins against Madhya Pradesh (2–0) and Tamil Nadu (2–1). They put up a strong fight in the final but were defeated 0–2 by Maharashtra.
The 30+ Women’s Team added a bronze to Assam’s tally. The trio of Anangsha Alomyan, Manaswinee Hazarika and Upasana Nath stunned top-seeded Gujarat with a 2–0 victory in the quarterfinals. Although they lost to Maharashtra in the semifinals, they secured a well-deserved bronze medal.
Assam further bolstered its medal count in the Individual Open events. Anangsha Alomyan won gold in the 30+ Women’s Singles, while Nayeem Hussain and Prapti Baruah claimed gold in the U16 Girls Doubles. Upasana Nath earned a silver medal in the Women’s Singles after defeating Priti Kumari 11–4 in the semifinals.
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The bronze medal winners included Nazneen Rahman, who defeated last year’s National Champion Kavita Khanna 11–7 to secure third place in the 50+ Women’s Singles category. Tiken Chandra Basumatary won bronze in the 60+ Men’s Singles, while Manaswinee Hazarika and Anangsha Alomyan earned bronze in the 30+ Women’s Doubles.
