Isha Lakhani: From Tennis Star to Gold Medalist in Pickleball

Isha Lakhani, a former Indian tennis player, has achieved something truly amazing. At 39 years old, she won a gold medal in pickleball at the World Championship in Bali. This is a big achievement, especially since she started playing pickleball after retiring from tennis at 37.

Isha teamed up with her friend Vrushali to win the gold in the Women’s Doubles (35+) category. The Indian team had an impressive performance overall, with another player, Vanshik Kapadia, also winning a gold medal in men’s singles. Together, the Indian athletes showcased their skills and brought home several medals, making their country proud.

After her victory, Isha shared her excitement, saying, “Pickleball is growing a lot, and we get to travel and learn more about the sport. Thanks to the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) for their support.” This support has been crucial for Isha and other players, as it allows them to gain more experience and exposure in the sport.

Isha has high hopes for pickleball’s future in India. During the championship, India’s rising profile was clear, as Vrushali and Vanshik also won silver in mixed doubles. In the Team Event, India claimed gold in multiple categories, including two in men’s doubles, one in mixed doubles, and one in women’s doubles. Isha played a vital role in this success, using her experience to guide her teammates.

Having played international tennis for over ten years, Isha won many titles during her career, including four ITF singles titles and seven in doubles. She achieved a peak singles ranking of No. 291 and No. 371 in doubles back in December 2008, which shows how skilled she is.

You might wonder why Isha decided to play pickleball after so many years in tennis. She began playing pickleball at the suggestion of a friend who noticed the nearby pickleball courts at her tennis club. “She encouraged me to try it out, saying it looked like a fun sport. So, I gave it a shot,” Isha recalled. This shows how sometimes friends can help us discover new interests.

Isha liked pickleball because it shares similarities with tennis. The court is smaller, and the way you play is a bit different, but many of the skills and strokes are the same. This made it easier for her to pick up the game, as her body already remembered how to play from her years in tennis.

Now that she is playing pickleball, Isha feels she can continue for another eight to nine years. “Age is just a number. Many players around my age are doing great,” she said confidently. This positive attitude is inspiring for many who might think they are too old to start something new.

Isha also thinks it’s important to train smart. While pickleball is a bit slower than tennis, it can still be tricky to master, especially with its unique rules and strategies. Isha believes that with practice, anyone can learn and enjoy the game.

Having found success in this fast-growing sport, which is popular in the United States, Isha wants to inspire younger players to try pickleball. She believes that with the support of the AIPA, pickleball can flourish in India, giving more athletes a chance to shine.

Isha encourages young players to stay motivated, practice hard, and enjoy the game. “Pickleball can be so much fun, but it’s important to take breaks and not play for too long,” she said. “Train wisely and think about making it a career because it’s an exciting sport with many opportunities.”

In her journey from tennis to pickleball, Isha Lakhani has shown that it’s never too late to try something new and achieve great things. She is not only a champion but also a role model for young athletes everywhere, proving that with determination and support, anything is possible.