Third Tanzania Pickleball Open highlights global growth of the sport

By Guardian Correspondent , The Guardian
Published at 06:00 AM Jun 12 2025
Beyond the competitive spotlight, the tournament also served as a platform for community development, featuring youth clinics,
Photo: File
Beyond the competitive spotlight, the tournament also served as a platform for community development, featuring youth clinics,

THE third edition of the Tanzania Pickleball Open brought together an enthusiastic assembly of 350 participants from 16 countries, marking it as the largest and most diverse pickleball tournament ever held in the region.

Organized by the East Africa Racket Sports Club (EARSC), the tournament took place recently at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana grounds

This year’s event featured five thrilling categories and a total prize pool of USD 10,000, attracting elite athletes and passionate amateurs from around the globe.

The tournament served as a celebration of skill, sportsmanship, and international camaraderie, reinforcing Tanzania’s emerging prominence in the global pickleball landscape.

“The level of play, the diversity of participants, and the energy on the courts were absolutely inspiring,” said Kartik Kapoor, Director of the East Africa Racket Sports Club.

Spanning five exhilarating days, the competition showcased high-stakes matches across singles and doubles categories, culminating in finals that drew large and enthusiastic crowds. Spectators were treated to intense, fast-paced action and top-tier performances.

Winners of the Tournament:

Men’s Singles:

1.  Dev Shah

2.  Dhiren Patel

3.  Abdulhaafiz Karime

Women’s Singles:

1.  Estephany Tan

2.  Sally Odak

3.  Agnimitra Bhattacharya

Men’s Doubles:

1.  Abdulhaafiz Karime / Shane du Bois

2.  Brian Omwando / Alikhan Kazia

3.  Kazim Bandali / Fred Kyando

Women’s Doubles:

1.  Gloria Kenda / Aminah Keevy

2.  Esther Muthoni / Sally Odak

3.  Fatema G. Dewji / Agnimitra Bhattacharya

Mixed Doubles:

1.  Andy Peeke / Estephany Tan

2.  Alikhan Kazia / Sally Odak

3.  Hussain G. Dewji / Agnimitra Bhattacharya

Beyond the competitive spotlight, the tournament also served as a platform for community development, featuring youth clinics, coaching sessions, and outreach programs aimed at expanding grassroots participation in pickleball across East Africa.

With growing participation and international recognition, the Tanzania Pickleball Open is fast becoming a cornerstone event in the global pickleball calendar.