DIMAPUR, JUN 23 (NPN): The Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) has announced its full sponsorship of Vilasier Khate for the upcoming Pickleball Zonals – North 2026, scheduled to be held from June 24 to 28. The tournament is the official selection event for Team India’s Open Category at the Pickleball World Cup 2026, to be hosted in Da Nang, Vietnam from August 30 to September 6.
In a press release issued by NPA media team, as part of its commitment to supporting athletes from Nagaland, the NPA will cover Khate’s registration fees, round-trip airfare, accommodation and official team jerseys. He will compete in two categories: 30+ Men’s Singles and Pro Men’s Singles, with the latter placing him in contention for selection to represent India at the World Cup.
Khate, an accomplished athlete in both tennis and pickleball, has enjoyed a distinguished career. In tennis, he won over 100 singles and doubles titles in All India tournaments and 17 international titles, achieving national rankings of No. 2 (Under-16), No. 4 (Under-18), and No. 27 (Men’s Open). He also represented India at the International Cup World Juniors 2010.
Transitioning into pickleball, Mr. Khate has quickly established himself as one of Eastern India’s finest players. At the Kolkata Open 2026, he secured two gold medals and one silver medal, earning the title of Player of the Tournament. He followed this with a stellar performance at the Guwahati Open 2026, winning three gold medals in the Open Men’s Singles, 30+ Men’s Singles, and 30+ Men’s Doubles categories. The NPA expressed optimism about Khate’s chances at the Zonals, describing his participation as a milestone for Nagaland and the North-East region. The Association hopes his journey will inspire more athletes from the region to pursue excellence on the national and international stage, further establishing the North-East as an emerging force in Indian pickleball.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026