Dreams, it is often said, do not come with an expiry date. Few stories illustrate that better than the extraordinary rise of Calcutta’s Vinay Sethia, who has climbed to the summit of world pickleball by securing the No. 1 ranking in the Pro 35+ Singles category in the latest World Pickleball Championships (WPC) rankings. At 40, an age when many athletes are contemplating retirement or winding down their competitive careers, Sethia has achieved what he once considered a distant dream, becoming the first player from the region to lead the global standings in his age category.
“It’s an incredible honour,” Vinay said. “The 35+ category is highly competitive, and every match demands both physical intensity and strategic precision. I’m glad that my hard work has paid off.” The ranking came after Sethia captured gold at the Asia Open 2026 in Bangkok, the culmination of a phenomenal run that saw him collect 33 international medals during 2025. Alongside his world No. 1 singles ranking, he currently stands as Asia’s No. 2 player in combined Singles and Doubles rankings, further underlining his consistency on the international circuit.
A former competitive tennis player, Vinay only transitioned to pickleball in 2024. He rapidly adapted, drawing on his tennis background to develop an aggressive and effective playing style. His powerful drives, excellent court coverage and athletic instincts gave him a strong foundation, but he quickly realised that success required much more than simply transferring tennis skills.
“The journey has been unbelievable. Usually, this is the age when sporting careers come to an end. Little did I know, sitting in my factory two years ago, that I would suddenly have to leave my work temporarily to take up a sport full-time. My childhood dream has come true at the age of 40,” Sethia reflected.
The turning point came when he began competing internationally. While he had already secured three national medals, it was a breakthrough performance at the World Pickleball Championships in Pattaya that transformed his mindset. His gold medal-winning performance in Bangkok perfectly encapsulated his fighting spirit. The tournament was anything but straightforward. In fact, Sethia admits that he nearly failed to progress beyond the group stages. “I honestly was not aware I would become No. 1 if I won. I almost got knocked out in the group stages of the tournament, but somehow I got through,” he said.
What followed was a gruelling test of endurance and mental strength. By the time he reached the final, both players had already contested seven matches that day. The championship match stretched into a dramatic deciding set, with the score locked at a nerve-shredding 20-19.
Globally, his role models include some of the biggest names in the sport. He mentioned, “Ben Johns is the OG in the sport. Ex-tennis players like Jack Sock and Purav Raja doing so well now have also been an inspiration.”
While his individual success is significant, Sethia views it as part of a larger movement. Indian pickleball has experienced explosive growth over the past few years, and he believes the country is rapidly earning respect on the international stage.
Away from competition, Sethia is equally committed to developing the sport. A partner at Krazy For Chocolates, a premium confectionery brand, he has also founded One Love Pickleball at Ballygunge Arena, Calcutta’s first dedicated pickleball academy. The academy serves not only as his training base but also as a centre for nurturing talent and introducing newcomers to the sport. Players of all ages, from complete beginners to aspiring competitors, are welcomed into the growing pickleball community.
“My goal is not just to compete, but to help grow the sport. Through One Love Pickleball, I want to build the next generation of players and give back to the sport,” he said. He further added, “I see the sport growing exponentially in the next five years. The sport suits our culture, weather and physique. It has already become a multi-million-dollar industry in India.”
For now, Sethia continues to balance two equally important roles: world-class competitor and ambassador for the game. As he prepares for another season of major international tournaments, he carries not only the distinction of being World No. 1 but also the hopes of a rapidly expanding sporting community.