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 28.
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 Pickleball Zonals –North would earn the opportunity to represent India at the Pickleball World Cup 2026 in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6, 2026.
As part of its commitment to supporting athletes from Nagaland, NPA would fully sponsor Khate’s participation by covering tournament registration fees, round-trip airfare, accommodation, and official team jerseys.
Khate would compete in two categories: 30+ Men’s Singles and Pro Men’s Singles. His participation in the Pro Men’s Singles category places him in contention for selection to Team India for the upcoming Pickleball World Cup.
It may be mentioned that Vilasier Khate is an accomplished athlete who actively competes in both tennis and pickleball at a high level. Khate enjoyed a distinguished tennis career, winning more than 100 singles and doubles titles in All India 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 2010.
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Alongside his success in tennis, Khate has quickly established himself as one of Eastern’s India Finest pickleball players. At the Kolkata Open 2026, he won 2 Gold Medals and 1 Silver Medal and was awarded Player of the Tournament. He followed this with an outstanding performance at the Guwahati Open 2026, securing 3 Gold Medals in the Open Men’s Singles, 30+ Men’s Singles, and 30+ Men’s Doubles categories.
The Nagaland Pickleball Association has extended best wishes to Vilasier Khate as he represents Nagaland at this important selection event. The Association is optimistic about his chances and believes that his participation is a significant milestone not only for Nagaland but for the entire North-East region.
NPA further hoped that Khate’s journey would encourage more players from Nagaland and the North-East to pursue excellence on the national and international stage, while further establishing the region as an emerging force in Indian pickleball.
