Valeria Mayta Mallqui, at just 16 years old, is the child prodigy in the new sport that is growing in Peru: pickleball, a racket discipline that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis, and that through the IPD Academy program is becoming widespread nationwide.
“Pickleball is a new sport that is taking off as it combines badminton, table tennis and tennis. It is in a smaller, but much more dynamic format that allows many more people, including those with disabilities, to feel fulfilled and have fun with this beautiful sport,” highlighted the young national promise.
The teenager won the gold medal at the IPD 2025 National Sports Games, and also won the silver medal in the 3.5 category for -34 years, at the Pickleball World Cup that took place last year in Florida (United States).
Valeria explained that pickleball is played on a badminton-like court with a solid paddle and a perforated plastic ball, characterized by unique rules such as the “no-volley zone” or “kitchen” and the “double bounce” rule (the ball must bounce once before the challenger hits it, and after the serve and return, the ball must bounce once on each side before it can be volleyed), being accessible to all ages and easy to learn.
“It is a very beautiful sport that we can share with family and friends, its practice makes us happy, and I am going to continue competing to win more trophies and leaving the name of Peru high,” the athlete remarked.
He highlighted that the IPD Academy together with the Peruvian Pickleball Federation (FPP) are doing great work so that this sport spreads throughout the country for free.
“My goal is to climb, this year I want to play in the 4.0 category, and win it. In addition, I will continue practicing and becoming a professional in pickleball. At the same time, I am going to study Environmental Engineering, because it is another of my dreams,” the athlete stated.
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— Andina Agency (@Agencia_Andina) January 20, 2026
(FIN) NDP/JOSO
Published: 1/20/2026
