Divyanshu Kataria, a young Indian pickleball player, is making waves in the sport with his impressive skills and determination. With a clear goal of becoming India's number one doubles player, Kataria is committed to dominating the pickleball scene. In an exclusive interview with Sports Now, Kataria expressed his belief that Pickleball has the potential to become more popular than other racquet sports in India. Pickleball, a sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been on the rise globally, and Kataria is one of the key players leading its charge in India.
He also emphasised that the PWR DUPR Indian Tour, a prestigious event in the pickleball calendar, will play a key role in helping Indian athletes enhance their skills and compete at a higher level.
As Kataria continues his journey to the top, he remains committed to inspiring others to take up Pickleball and contribute to its growth in India—excerpts from the interview.
Tell us about your journey with Pickleball. How did you discover this game, and what motivated you to pursue it professionally?
So, I started playing Pickleball since it's been four years now that I'm playing it. It's been three years of me playing Pickleball professionally. So, there were two Pickleball courts building behind my house after the lockdown. So, I just went there, I tried it, and then pickleball became a community sport. As more and more people came, they played, I made new friends, and then I played it for a good time. Then I played it very competitively. It's a very competitive sport. And I found it very fun also. So, it's very nice now.
So, was this in Jaipur, and how is Pickleball developing in Jaipur?
It was in Jaipur. Yeah, we have a good community here in Jaipur. We have more than 200-300 people playing Pickleball regularly in Jaipur. We have more than 15 courts, and now it's picking up. It's not as fast picking up as it is picking up in Bombay or Delhi. But it's picking up, yeah.
You are often recognised for having some of the best resets and dings of Pickleball. Could you explain these terms in layman's language?
Resets and dings are some of the most important shots in doubles. I am a doubles specialist in India. So, resets are the shots in which your opponent attacks and you reset the ball. You basically neutralise the point. You don't counter it, so the opponent can't hit it again. You reset it, and you move your way back to the kitchen line. Dings are the shots that we play on the kitchen line. They are called dings.
How did it become the most lethal weapon in your armoury?
So, no. The problem with me was I didn't play tennis. So, it was very hard for me to shift to Pickleball because usually, all the racquet sports players can easily switch to Pickleball. So, I didn't play any racquet sport professionally or anywhere. So, I just played Pickleball. So, I didn't have as many weapons as these guys. I tried to be more consistent with my resets and my dings. So, my doubles game is going up because of that.
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Where do you envision yourself in the next 5 years?
So, my upcoming goal is to be first of all to be India's No.1 in doubles. I think I am still 4-5 in India. So, my upcoming goal is first to be India No.1. Then I want to play Pickleball at the highest level in the US or wherever the PWR Tour is taking us. So, I want to play Pickleball at the highest level and I want to dominate this sport for a good time.
What changes have you observed in Pickleball's growth in India?
So, earlier whenever I used to tell someone that I play Pickleball, I had to explain it to them. But whenever now I tell anyone that I play Pickleball, they already know it. They play in their community. And like if the people are from Bombay or Delhi, they must 100% know Pickleball from now. So, like there are many tournaments now. Big prize money is coming in. PWR has come in and it has changed the whole, what do you call it, the circular of the Pickleball. So, it's very popular right now. And it's very easy to make people understand about Pickleball now.
So, do you think that Pickleball could surpass the popularity of other racquet sports in India?
I think yes, Pickleball can surpass the popularity of other racquet sports as it is very easy to pick. Like people from 6 to like 70, anyone can play Pickleball. It's super easy to pick. And, of course, very hard to master. But the best part about this game is anyone can play this game. You don't need to be a master to start playing Pickleball. You just need a paddle and a ball. That's it.
What is your schedule like, and how do you maintain the fitness standards required for the sport?
So, of course, now our schedule is getting tighter. So, we need to take care of our body. We need to take care of our nutrition, our diet and everything. So, I'm just trying to like play six-seven hours a day. Hit one hour gym like at least four times a week. Do mass stretchings, recoveries, rehabs. Try to take some ice baths and go to stretching sessions with someone. So, we have to do these kinds of things because our schedule is getting very tighter. So, we need to take care of our body and nutrition. Otherwise, obviously, we will get injured for a very good time.
PWR, in collaboration with the Times Group, is actively working to promote Pickleball. Can you share your thoughts on the creation of the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) and its potential impact on players?
PWR in collaboration with Times Group has done a really good job. It has launched the PWR Pickleball World Series. And it has changed the whole circle of the game. More people are coming to India to play. Their calendar is very huge. They have events all over the world. And they are doing a great, great job. And players like us now have the best opportunity to compete against the best players in the world because of PWR and Times Group.
How are you preparing for PWR DUPR India Masters?
So, yeah, I am preparing very well. I am very excited to play that tournament. I am looking forward to it. I am practicing very hard. And I hope to win some medals in that tournament.
What are your expectations from PWR DUPR Indian Tour?
I am very excited to play the PWR DUPR Indian Tour this time. It will kick off from the Delhi tournament in this October. And then we have many tournaments lined up in India, in China, in Vietnam. I think one in LA also. So, I am really looking forward to play these tournaments. And PWR and Timesgroup has done a great job for players like us to travel and to play with all the pro players around the world. And I am very thankful to them.
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And what are your expectations from these tours? Will it enhance the skills of Indian players like you?
Yeah, 100% it will help us enhance our skill. It is very important to have a calendar in every sport because you need to know what you are preparing for. So, it is very good that a company or anything like PWR has launched a calendar. So, it is very good for us to plan a whole year according to them. So it is very nice.
Which paddle do you use when you play Pickleball?
I play with the Franklin FS2 14mm paddle. It's a great paddle. It has nice pop. It has nice power. Good control. And I suggest players to use that paddle. Many pro players are also using that paddle. If not Franklin, then you can go to Joola. It has some of the best paddles in the world. And I think it's one of the top companies in the world. So, yeah. These are my suggestions.
What is your favourite shot in Pickleball and why?
Okay. So, I'll say. So, in doubles, I think my backhand flick is my favourite shot. It's a backhand flick or a backhand counter whenever your opponent speeds up or you get a high ball. I just have 3-4 options where I can finish the ball with my backhand. And in singles, I'll say my doublehand backhand from the baseline is very deceptive. It has good roll and I like to pass my opponents with it.