JAMMU, November 7, 2025 – The courts were alive wiht the sound of paddles and cheers as the 2nd Jammu & Kashmir Masters Games wrapped up its thrilling badminton and pickleball competitions. While seasoned athletes battled it out in both sports, it was Ranjit Singh Chib who emerged as the undisputed king of the pickleball court, clinching the gold medal in a nail-biting final.

Organized by the Jammu & Kashmir masters Games Association (JKMGA), in affiliation with the Super Masters Games and sports federation (India), these games have become a cornerstone event for veteran athletes looking to stay competitive and showcase thier enduring skills. The tournament saw robust participation across two age categories for badminton: 30-45 years and 45-65 years, with matches meticulously overseen by Romesh Sharma, Treasurer of JKMGA, ensuring a level playing field.

Badminton Battles: New Champions Crowned

In the highly competitive 30-45 years badminton category, Akshay Behal showcased remarkable talent to secure the men’s singles gold. Balwinder Saini earned a well-deserved silver, while amit dalal and Pankaj Vig rounded out the podium with bronze medals. The men’s doubles saw a dominant performance from Mohit Jain and Makrand Mehta, who took home the gold. Amit Dalal and Amit Bhat claimed the silver, with Pankaj Vig & Ankush Jamwal and Balwinder Saini & Romesh sharing the bronze.

The 45-65 years bracket also delivered thrilling matchups. Vivek Slathia proved his mettle, capturing the singles gold. Joginder Pal Sharma fought hard for the silver medal, and Amit Singh and Jasvinder Singh shared the bronze. In the doubles division for this age group, Amit Singh & Jasvinder Singh clinched the gold, with Vivek Slathia & Joginder Sharma taking silver. Narinder Singh & Chaman Sharma and Romesh Raina & Rameshwar Singh Manhas earned bronze medals.

Pickleball Perfection: Chib’s Triumph

However, the buzz on the final day was amplified by the conclusion of the pickleball event. This fast-growing sport, often described as a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has captured the imagination of athletes worldwide, and the Jammu & Kashmir Masters Games provided a perfect platform for its seasoned enthusiasts.

The men’s singles final was a showcase of grit and precision, with Ranjit Singh Chib ultimately triumphing over Rameshwar Singh Manhas. The match scores tell a story of intense back-and-forth action: 10-05, 9-10, 10-9. Chib’s ability to dig deep and secure the final two points in a deciding game highlighted his championship mettle.

Praval Sharma also earned recognition,securing the Bronze Medal in the 50-plus age group,demonstrating the broad appeal and competitive spirit across different age brackets within the sport.

Pickleball’s Ascendancy: A Sport for All Ages

The success of the pickleball event at the Masters Games is a microcosm of the sport’s explosive growth across the United States. from community centers to dedicated facilities, pickleball courts are becoming increasingly ubiquitous. Its appeal lies in its accessibility; the smaller court size and underhand serve make it less physically demanding than tennis, allowing players of all ages and fitness levels to participate and enjoy the camaraderie.

for sports enthusiasts in the U.S., the rise of pickleball mirrors the early days of sports like beach volleyball or even the initial surge in popularity of racquetball. It’s a sport that fosters community, encourages active lifestyles, and offers a competitive outlet for those who may have aged out of more physically taxing sports. As seen in Jammu, the Masters Games provide a vital avenue for these athletes to continue their passion.

Potential Areas for Further Inquiry:

• The Economic Impact of Pickleball Growth: How is the increasing popularity of pickleball
  
  • The Economic Impact of Pickleball Growth: How is the increasing popularity of pickleball influencing businesses and local economies?
  • Accessibility of Pickleball: How can communities further enhance accessibility to this sport, including initiatives that lower entry barriers?
  • Future of the Masters Games: What are the plans for future Jammu & Kashmir Masters Games, and how will they adapt to accommodate growing interest in pickleball and other sports?