It's often said that a sportsperson’s career has a short shelf life as compared to other professions. However, that does not hold true for 51-year-old former India tennis player Nitten Kirrtane, who is the first national tennis player to be selected in the Indian pickleball team for the Pickleball World Cup in Florida, USA, from October 27 to November 2.

Kirrtane, who was the runner-up at the 1992 boys Wimbledon Championship along with Mahesh Bhupathi and won the gold medal at the 2002 National Games, was picked by the Indian Pickleball Association, the Sports Ministry-approved governing body for pickleball in India, following a two-day (August 30-31) selection trial in Ahmedabad. He will partner Suryaveer Singh Bhullar in the 50-plus men’s doubles category.

‘Grateful to IPA, SAI’

“I am thrilled to be part of the first Indian team going for the Pickleball World Cup, that too in the USA, which is the mecca of the sport. I’m grateful to the Indian Pickleball Association and the Sports Authority of India for this opportunity.