Mar 08, Kathmandu - The Nepal-UK friendship pickleball competition was successfully held at Imperial World School in Kathmandu, bringing together players from both nations to celebrate sportsmanship, cultural exchange, and the rapidly growing popularity of pickleball in Nepal.

Kicking off on February 27, the tournament featured exciting matches in men's doubles and women's doubles categories, showcasing impressive skills, team coordination, and determination—highlighting the sport’s increasing development across the country.

In the men's doubles, Manoj Kumar and Dipendra Bajracharya clinched the gold medal, while Harsa Sagar Tuladhar and Manik Ratan Shakya took silver. Laxman Thapa and Johan Makhajil secured the bronze medal.

For the women's doubles, Karin Dugan and Claire MacKnight emerged victorious with gold. Jenny Godard and Sue Andrews earned silver, and Stef Grace and Pam Simpson showcased excellent performance to win bronze.

The competition then advanced to the mixed doubles category on March 7, adding further excitement to the event. In this category, Claire MacKnight and Glenn MacKnight won gold, with Dipendra Bajracharya and Geetanjali Gurung taking silver, and Nikita Lama and Faty B. Khadka securing bronze.

The highlight of the tournament was the much-anticipated Team Clash between Nepal and the UK. Eight matches were played for a total of 50 points, with Nepal emerging victorious and claiming the team event title after a fiercely competitive series.

Jackson Suvedi of Nepal's Underground Pickleball expertly coordinated the tournament, ensuring smooth gameplay and timely completion without any disruptions, earning praise from participating UK players for the professional management.

Organizers and players expressed appreciation for the excellent organization, with UK participants commending the event’s professionalism and engaging atmosphere.

Saurav Bhandari, President of the Nepal Pickleball Association, attended the event, encouraging players and organizers alike, and reaffirming the association’s commitment to promoting pickleball nationwide.

The event’s chief guest, Arun Kumar Chaudhary of the Arun Chaudhary Foundation, lauded the enthusiasm and participation seen during the tournament. Inspired by pickleball's energetic and inclusive nature, he expressed his desire to try the sport himself in the near future.

Special thanks were extended to Nabin Gurung for his vital role in bringing the UK team to Nepal. The overall management and organization of the event at Imperial World School received high praise from all involved, including the tournament director, association president, Nepal Underground Pickleball, the Flash Pickleball team, and volunteers.

This friendly Nepal-UK pickleball competition has served as an excellent example of strengthening international friendship through sports, increasing community engagement, and inspiring a new generation of players. The successful conclusion of all categories and the thrilling team clash have further accelerated pickleball’s growth in Nepal, opening doors for future international collaborations.