World No. 3 Quang Duong of Vietnam and top American pro Megan Fudge emerged as the most sought-after international stars at the inaugural Indian Pickleball League (IPL) Players’ Draft in New Delhi on Saturday, as six franchises built their squads for the league’s first edition.
The Mumbai Smashers snapped up Duong with their top pick, while the Hyderabad Royals moved swiftly to secure Fudge, one of the sport’s most accomplished paddlers across formats. Lucknow Leopards made the biggest Indian splash, landing Aditya Ruhela — the No. 1 men’s singles player in the country — as their marquee domestic signing.
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The league, launched by The Times Group and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, will be held from December 1–7 at the KD Jadhav Indo
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