Every community thrives on passionate individuals who bring energy, curiosity, and commitment to the game—and Shravan is one such player. From his coastal roots in Shirali to building a life in Bangalore, Shravan has carried his love for sports into the world of Pickleball. What began as a Tennis fan’s curiosity has now grown into a journey of tournaments, friendships, and continuous improvement.

Q: Could you share a little about yourself—where you were born, where you grew up, how long you’ve been in Bangalore, and what you do for a living?
I’m Shravan. I was born in a coastal village in Karnataka called Shirali, near Bhatkal. I’ve been living in Bangalore for over 10 years now, and I work as a Software Developer at an MNC.

Q. How did your Pickleball journey begin? What first drew you to the sport?
I’ve always been a huge Tennis fan, though I never actually played the sport myself—I just loved watching matches. That passion led me to explore Pickleball, which felt like a bridge between my love for tennis and my desire to play a racquet sport.

Q. Tell us about your very first game with BPC.
My first pickleball experience was through a group game hosted by Anne on Playo (which later became BPC). It was at Swysh Sarjapur, and the experience was far more exciting than I had imagined. Until then, I was playing Badminton regularly, but that first pickleball session made me think: “Okay, I need to invest more time in this game for sure.”

Q. What keeps you motivated to play Pickleball regularly? Do you have specific goals in the sport?
I’ve had a passion for sports since childhood—I used to play cricket day in and day out. Over time, that passion shifted toward racquet sports, and now Pickleball keeps me motivated to show up and play regularly. My goal is simple: to be a better Pickleball player than I was last year, and eventually compete in prestigious tournaments.

Q. How many BPC tournaments have you participated in so far, and what was your experience in each?
My first tournament was the Bangalore Monsoon League (BML) 2025, which ran over two months on weekends. I loved strategizing with my team each week, and we eventually finished as runners-up. After that, I started playing Swysh DUPR tournaments regularly. Most prominently, I participated in BPC's Swysh Royal Smash and Golden Point Dash tournaments held at Swysh and 11-Point Club respectively. These contests gave me the chance to meet some amazing players, build connections, and learn from them to improve my game.

Q. What aspects of these tournaments did you enjoy most, and what would you like to see added or improved in future BPC events?
The best part was meeting new people, learning new skills, and building a network within the community. Overall, BPC games and tournaments are fantastic. If I had to suggest one improvement, it would be optimizing the player pools during the round-robin stage. Everything else at BPC—from organizing the games smoothly to ensuring that players had access to food and beverages at the venue—has been top-notch.

Q. Which Pickleball venue in Bangalore is your favourite, and why?
I really enjoy playing at GoRally Indiranagar (HAL) and 11-Point Club. I’m familiar with these venues, and I love the vibe and the courts there.

Q. Who has been your favourite doubles partner, and what makes playing with them special?
My favourite partner has been Bhavesh, whom I met during Bangalore Monsoon League 2025 in BPC. We share great coordination and balance each other out with a 'fire-and-ice' dynamic, which helps us handle high-pressure situations effectively.

Q. How do you work on improving your game month after month?
I’m focused on increasing the number of games I play each month, so I can better understand my strengths and weaknesses. I also want to explore mixed doubles, though I haven’t had the chance yet due to not finding a partner.

Q. If Pickleball had been available when you were a teenager, what advice would you give your younger self?
I would tell myself to play with intensity and spend time learning from senior players who play at the highest level. Observing and applying their skills would have helped me grow faster.

Q. What are your thoughts on the growth and culture of Pickleball in India, especially in Bangalore?
Pickleball has made a huge impact in Bangalore—I see many people walking around town with Pickleball paddles and accessories. The community is growing steadily, and I believe the number of young players will increase significantly in the coming years.

Q. Apart from Pickleball, is there another sport you enjoy?
Badminton is another sport I love. Whenever I get the chance, I play to keep my skills sharp there too.
 

Q. Finally, what advice would you like to share with our readers—about Pickleball and about life in general?
Life is about finding what you love and what you’re passionate about. That discovery doesn’t happen by staying at home or just focusing on your day-to-day job—it happens when you step outside your comfort zone and explore new communities. That’s where you find the real treasure and happiness you didn’t even know existed. For me, Pickleball has been that treasure in 2025.

Shravan’s journey is a reminder that passion often begins with curiosity and grows through community. From his first game at Swysh Sarjapur to competing in tournaments and building friendships, he embodies the spirit of learning, resilience, and joy that defines Pickleball in Bangalore. As the sport continues to grow, players like Shravan will inspire others to step onto the court, discover the game, and find their own treasure in the process.