Mumbai Smashers Win Inaugural Indian Pickleball League in Dramatic Comeback
Published: Dec 10, 2025
Arthur Jones
Writer
The Mumbai Smashers staged a thrilling comeback to win the inaugural Indian Pickleball League, defeating the Hyderabad Royals 5-1 in the Finals. Quang Duong went unbeaten and earned Male MVP honors.
The Mumbai Smashers claimed the inaugural Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) championship in a spectacular comeback story.
After starting the season at the bottom of the standings, Quang Duong’s Smashers rallied through the Eliminator, sweeping the Lucknow Leopards to reach Qualifier 2. Mumbai then defeated the Chennai Super Warriors 4-2, setting up a Finals clash with the Hyderabad Royals, who had secured their spot with a 4-2 win over the same Warriors in Qualifier 1.
The Smashers completed their remarkable turnaround with a decisive 5-1 victory over the Royals at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall. Duong opened the final with a 15-4 singles win over Tejas Gulati and teamed with Ammol Ramchandani to defeat Ben Newell and Divyanshu Kataria 15-10, giving Mumbai an early 2-0 lead. Megan Fudge delivered Hyderabad’s lone win with a 15-5 victory. Mumbai responded in Women’s Doubles, where Allison Harris and Pearl Amalsadiwala came back from 6-8 to win 15-10, pushing the team ahead 3-1. Mumbai sealed the championship with a 21-14 win in the Grand Rally.
Duong, who went unbeaten throughout the league, was named Male MVP and Best Men’s Singles Player. Fudge earned Female MVP honors, while Roos van Reek, undefeated in the league phase, was crowned Best Women’s Singles Player. Harsh Mehta and Pearl Amalsadiwala took home the Best Doubles Player awards.
