Pickleball Invitational India 2026: Dinkers Minda United Clinches Inaugural USHA CII-IWN Title

The inaugural USHA CII IWN Pickleball Invitational at REPPP, Mehrauli, on April 26, 2026, ended with Team Dinkers Minda United crowned champions under lights, beating Bajaj Capital, who finished runners-up. Twelve corporate teams and 72 participants showed how pickleball can serve sport and networking together.

Organised as CII-IWN's first fundraising sporting initiative, the event brought leading organisations from many sectors. The Davis Cup-style mixed-team format let professionals from different roles meet in a relaxed setting. Formal barriers dropped, as players met on court rather than in boardrooms.

The Invitational responded to changing corporate networking habits by focusing on shared play instead of fixed sessions. Pickleball’s ease and rising reach helped people build real links across companies. Players grew corporate ties and a sense of shared community while staying locked in contest.

The tournament schedule blended men's doubles, women's or gender-neutral doubles, and mixed doubles. Matches ran through round-robin and knockout stages. This layout maintained sporting pressure and encouraged clear talk, planning, and smart team play. Those same skills often support success at work and within office teams.

Women Empowerment stayed central throughout. A Lady Tournament Director led the event. Lady Referees handled all knockout matches. Every team captain was a lady. A Lady Emcee hosted, while several of the finest lady players raised the overall play and visibility of women.

USHA International was Title Sponsor. Celebration partner Radio Khaitan and Pouring partner Kati Patang shaped on-ground engagement, with Associate Sponsor Wave One. Athletic Drive, as Apparel Sponsor, and Franklin, as Official Ball Sponsor, strengthened the sporting feel and support for all matches and players.

Phat as Snack Partner, Fromage as Food Partner, Blue Pine as Hydration Partner, Lotus Herbals as Beauty and Wellness Partner, Twisted Tails as Twist Partner, Bagrrys as Nutrition partner, Sirona as Hygiene Partner, Pro Health as Health Partner, and EaseMyTrip as Travel Partner handled hospitality.

Corporate teams included Usha International, Bajaj Capital, Spark Capital, Lovak Smashers, Kaafirana, Surana Jewellers, Team Garmi, Team CII Power Pickers, IWN Aces, Dinkers Minda United, Weavecraft, and Team Net Gain. Their presence underlined strong cross-industry interest in sport-led engagement formats inside corporate India.

Ms Komal Mehra, Head – Sports Initiatives and Associations, Usha International, said, "Our commitment to building a stronger sporting ecosystem – one that encourages healthier lifestyles and greater participation from women – continues to guide us. The Usha CII-IWN Pickleball Invitational has demonstrated the potential of inclusive, gender-agnostic sport in fostering collaboration and creating more connected, engaged cross-functional corporate communities. We look forward to seeing this momentum to gain more pace amongst corporates."

Ruchika Jain, Chairperson, CII-IWN, added, "With this initiative, we wanted to rethink traditional modes of promoting the entrepreneurs within the Indian Women's Network by creating a more open and participative platform—especially for women leaders. The response has been extremely encouraging, with participants embracing not just the sport but the opportunity to connect in a more authentic and collaborative setting. This is just the beginning of building a stronger, more inclusive professional network through such experiences."

The event was curated by a trio of specialists: Gagan Anand, a social events specialist, Aditya Oberoi, a sports marketing consultant and pickleball specialist; and Digraj Golf Inc, experts in sports marketing and events. They said, "We have put together our collective best practices to curate an event which delivers on the important messaging and objectives that IWN and USHA International wish to promote, and in a manner such that the sport also benefits and grows in India. We are delighted with the turnout and results."

The Invitational showed a wider change in corporate India, where firms now use shared experiences that join well-being, staff engagement, and growth. With pickleball rising across urban India, the event fits Usha's ongoing work to support India's sporting culture and inclusive play, including for women and the differently abled.