Dimapur, June 23 (MExN): The Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) has announced full sponsorship for pickleball player Vilasier Khate to participate in the Pickleball Zonals–North 2026, scheduled from June 24 to 28.
According to a press release issued by the association, the tournament will serve as the official selection event for Team India’s Open Category for the Pickleball World Cup 2026. Players selected from the Pro Category will earn the opportunity to represent India at the World Cup to be held in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6.
As part of the sponsorship, the NPA will cover Khate’s tournament registration fee, round-trip airfare, accommodation and official team jerseys. He will compete in the 30+ Men’s Singles and Pro Men’s Singles categories, with the latter offering a pathway to Team India selection.
Khate, a former national-level tennis player, has won over 100 singles and doubles titles in All India tournaments and 17 international titles. He has also represented India at the International Cup World Juniors 2010. In pickleball, he recently won two gold and one silver medal at the Kolkata Open 2026 and followed it up with three gold medals at the Guwahati Open 2026.
The association extended its best wishes to Khate and expressed confidence that his participation would further boost the profile of pickleball in Nagaland and the Northeast.
