Singapore-based sportswear brand HNDRD has stepped firmly into the pickleball spotlight, announcing its role as official footwear partner for Team India at the Pickleball World Cup 2026. The tournament, set for Da Nang, Vietnam from 30 August to 6 September, will see India’s players kitted out in HNDRD’s performance shoes designed specifically for court sports.
It’s a timely move. Pickleball in India has been gathering pace, with the national association sharpening its high-performance programme and tightening selection standards ahead of the World Cup in Da Nang. India will arrive in Vietnam hoping to build on the bronze medal secured at the previous edition, and the addition of a specialist footwear partner is seen as a boost to those ambitions.
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the Indian Pickleball Association, underlined the importance of equipment at this level, noting that HNDRD’s focus on court-ready footwear made the partnership a natural fit. For HNDRD, co-founder Manak Kapoor described the deal as a milestone, pointing to the sport’s rapid growth and the rising profile of Indian athletes on the international stage.
The squad itself carries a blend of youth and experience. Harsh Mehta will spearhead the men’s Pro-category challenge, joined by Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian, and Aman Patel. Singh will also captain India’s Under-18 side. On the women’s front, Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala, and Naomi Amalsadiwala will represent the country.
For HNDRD, the partnership is more than a one-off. It strengthens the brand’s positioning in pickleball while complementing its presence across badminton, running, cricket, padel, and football. More broadly, it reflects the growing commercial ecosystem around Indian pickleball, where national teams are increasingly becoming platforms for brands eager to connect with a sport on the rise.
