Singapore-based performance sports brand HNDRD has partnered with Team India as its official footwear partner for the Pickleball World Cup 2026, adding another commercial association to India’s growing national-team ecosystem as the sport continues to gain momentum globally.
Under the partnership, HNDRD will equip members of the Indian contingent with performance footwear for the tournament, which will be held in Da Nang, Vietnam, from August 30 to September 6. The collaboration gives HNDRD a platform to showcase its court-focused footwear at an international competition while supporting Indian players competing at the highest level of the sport.
The partnership arrives at an important stage in the development of Indian pickleball, with the Indian Pickleball Association strengthening its high-performance programme and selection processes ahead of the World Cup. India will enter the tournament looking to build on its bronze-medal finish at the previous edition.
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, Indian Pickleball Association, said high-performance equipment would be critical as Team India prepares to compete internationally, adding that HNDRD’s focus on footwear designed for court sports made it a natural fit for the squad.
Manak Kapoor, Co-Founder, HNDRD, said the partnership was a significant moment for the brand, noting the rapid growth of pickleball and the performance of Indian athletes on international courts.
Harsh Mehta will lead India’s Pro-category challenge, with Arjun Singh, Anish Frolian and Aman Patel completing the men’s squad. Singh will also represent India in the Under-18 category, where he will serve as captain. The women’s contingent features Mihika Yadav, Aaliyah Ebrahim, Pearl Amalsadiwala and Naomi Amalsadiwala.
For HNDRD, the association strengthens its positioning in pickleball while complementing its wider presence across badminton, running, cricket, padel and football. More broadly, the deal reflects the expanding commercial ecosystem around Indian pickleball, where national-team properties are increasingly becoming platforms for brands seeking relevance in an emerging sporting category.
