Kannan Sethu Triumphs at Coimbatore Pickleball Open, Claims Title

Kannan Sethu has achieved a remarkable victory, clinching the Men’s Singles 35+ title at the Coimbatore Pickleball Open. This championship, held on March 24, 2024, marked a significant milestone in his journey from casual player to tournament champion. Sethu, originally from Kumarapalayam, approximately 100 kilometers from Coimbatore, only took up pickleball a year ago after over two decades of playing tennis.

In the thrilling final against Venkatesh Nagarajan, Sethu faced numerous challenges. Trailing for much of the match, he acknowledged making “a lot of wrong choices in between.” Despite these setbacks, Sethu demonstrated resilience, continually fighting back to ultimately secure the win. “I participated in many events, but winning this singles event in the 35-plus category feels particularly special,” he stated. “The final was tough, and I am grateful to Venki for pushing me to improve my game.”

The tournament, part of the PWR 200 series, showcased the growing popularity of pickleball in the region. Sethu expressed his gratitude to the organisers, Pickleball Club House, for hosting the first major event of its kind in Coimbatore. “This event was well organised, and I thank Mritunjay and Rithika for their efforts in bringing players from across the country to compete here,” he noted.

Sethu also highlighted the quality of the facilities, stating, “I really enjoyed the sport here. The courts are new and comfortable, making it easy to play at our best.” He hopes to see more events in Coimbatore, which would provide local players with the opportunity to compete without the need to travel to other states.

As the tournament concluded, Sethu’s victory not only marks a personal achievement but also signifies the rise of pickleball in India, promising exciting future competitions for both players and fans alike.