Indian sports wrap, November 13: Indian Pickleball League from December 1, Shubhankar gets back Tour card
GOLF
Shubhankar gets back Tour card
Shubhankar Sharma made amends for a disappointing season by earning the playing rights for the 2026 season with a tied second place finish at the DP World Qualifying school’s Final stage.
After making his way through the second stage, where he finished Tied-eighth, Sharma completed a great week in the third and final stage with a final round of 66 that saw him finish tied second.
Sharma had six birdies against one bogey in his final round of 5-under 66 to total 24 under par. He had rounds of 70-69-66-67-66-66. He was 13 shots behind the leader and winner, Zander Lombard of South Africa.
The tied second place will put Sharma in Category 18 and ensure a lot of starts over the season and some good results in the first half could help his re-rank.
Sharma, who turned pro in 2013 at the age of 17, has been on the DP World Tour since 2018. He won the Joburg Open in December 2017 and the Maybank Malaysian Open in February 2018.
Sharma has managed to keep his card all the years and finished inside Top-70 each time except in the Covid-hit season of 2020.
This year he lost his card after failing to make cut in 21 out of 28 Tour DP Tour events he played in 2025.
The 2025 season was one of the toughest Sharma had endured in his professional career. Equipment changes impacted his game and he struggled to find the correct combination.
-PTI
PICKLEBALL
Indian Pickleball League to Debut in Delhi from December 1
The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), the country’s first official pickleball league, will be held between December 1-7 at the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium in New Delhi. The league is sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and is also recognised by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs.
The Indian Pickleball League comes at a time when the sport is witnessing rapid global growth, celebrated for its accessibility and fast-paced energy. With over five million players and a $1.3 billion market worldwide, it’s rise is undeniable.
In India, pickleball is expanding rapidly across key cities, with participation projected to reach a million by 2028. Around 80% of its players fall between 18 and 50 years, making it a sport enjoyed by all ages.
Speaking on the launch, Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, president of the Indian Pickleball Association, said, “The launch of IPBL marks a defining milestone for pickleball in India. IPBL, sanctioned by IPA is a national sports federation under Ministry of Sports & Youth affairs. This league represents the scale and structure needed to take the sport to the next level.
“Over the years, the IPA has worked to build a strong grassroots foundation, and today, with IPBL, we are creating a national platform that will help shape pickleball into an Indian sport, one that goes beyond competition and victories to champion fitness, participation, and a healthier nation.”
The inaugural Indian Pickleball League will feature dynamic teams blending Super Stars and Rising Stars from India and abroad.
Across a week of round-robin clashes and knockout battles leading to a high-voltage finale, the action promises to be fast-paced and television-ready.
– Team Sportstar
Published on Nov 13, 2025