The Nagaland Pickleball Association sponsors Vilasier Khate for the Pickleball Zonals – North 2026.
Share
DIMAPUR — The Nagaland Pickleball Association (NPA) has announced its full sponsorship of Vilasier Khate for the upcoming Pickleball Zonals – North 2026, scheduled to be held from June 24 to the 28th.
The tournament serves as the official selection event for team India's Open category at the Pickleball World Cup 2026. Athletes selected from the Pro category of the Pickleball Zonals – North will earn the opportunity to represent India at the Pickleball World Cup 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6.
According to a press release, the NPA will fully sponsor Khate's participation by covering his tournament registration fees, round-trip airfare, accommodation, and official team jerseys as part of its commitment to supporting athletes from Nagaland.
Khate will compete in two categories: 30+ Men's Singles and Pro Men's Singles.
It was mentioned that Khate is an accomplished athlete who competes in both tennis and pickleball. During his tennis career, he won more than 100 singles and doubles titles in national tournaments and 17 international titles.
His highest national rankings included No. 2 in India (Under-16), No. 4 in India (Under-18), and No. 27 in the Men's Open category. He also represented India at the International Cup World Juniors in 2010.
Alongside his success in tennis, Khate has established himself as one of eastern India's finest pickleball players. At the Kolkata Open 2026, he won two gold medals and one silver medal and was awarded Player of the Tournament. He followed this with a performance at the Guwahati Open 2026, securing three gold medals in the Open Men's Singles, 30+ Men's Singles, and 30+ Men's Doubles categories.
Also read: Nagaland State FIDE Rating Chess Championship 2026 in July
The association expressed optimism about his prospects and stated that his participation is a significant milestone for Nagaland and the entire Northeast region.
The NPA hopes that Khate's journey will encourage more players from Nagaland and the Northeast to pursue excellence on the national and international stage, while further establishing the region as an emerging force in Indian pickleball.