Pickleball Around the World: Venise Chan Interviews Megha Kapoor
Both Venise Chan and Megha Kapoor are International Federation of Pickleball World Ambassadors. They are both very enthusiastic in leading their country in pickleball promotions and getting the sport closer to the Olympic goal. Megha Kapoor took the time to sit down in an interview conducted by former tennis pro Venise Chan.
VC: What is your motto in life and what do you love about pickleball?
MK: When it comes to pickleball, my motto is to promote it door to door and include especially those people who are not involved in any physical activity due to time constraints. On the top of it, I love it because it is a simple sport, very inclusive and engaging.
VC: Who do you train with and how do you train? Fitness session?
MK: I get trained with the best player here Nikhil Singh, who has a tennis background and is an amazing coach too. Training usually involves drills including dinking, 3rd shot drops, apart from basic cardio.
VC: As one of the International Federation of Pickleball World Ambassadors, what have you been doing to promote the sport? How do u promote it in schools, clubs, etc?
MK: Even before my role as World Ambassador, my team and I used to provide free pickleball sessions, promote it on social media, conducting tournaments while interacting and encouraging players on a regular basis. Our special focus was school sessions but it got disrupted due to COVID. I have been continuing with this practice with more energy after being recognized as the IFP World Ambassador.
VC: Can you tell me more about the Indian pickleball scene?
MK: Indian pickleball took flight in 2012 and the amount of growth and support for this sport has only increased which is incredible for everyone. Moreover, the quality and competition have increased a lot.
VC: Do you prefer singles or doubles and why?
MK: I prefer mix doubles due to its focus on strategy, coordination and collective athleticism rather than single focus on individual athleticism. Mix doubles also gives me a thrill to compete with male opponents.
VC: Where are you playing next?
MK: I will be playing in Asia Pickleball Open which will be held in Thailand in April.
VC: How do you think pickleball can grow in Asia?
MK: There is a need to conduct as many tournaments as possible all over Asia to shed spotlight on this sport and cover as much ground as possible. It does seem like pickleball in Asia as started in India, growth and love for this sport is exponential and unmatchable.
VC: Do you think pickleball will become an Olympic sport?
MK: It does have the potential to be an Olympic sport and the amount of effort IFP is putting in can definitely make it a reality. On a personal note, I feel it has more of a commercial or recreational touch which can be a team sport. For this, concept like MLP and league tournaments based ideas should be explored more.
VC: Finally, any tips you can share to pickleball players who want to play competitively?
MK: My tip would be to choose the doubles partner on the basis of compatibility while playing and focusing on improving individually rather than tagging along with the best player.
