Tamil Nadu’s Jaishnu Krishnan Aims for Glory at Rise Up Championship

CHENNAI, India — Jaishnu Krishnan, Tamil Nadu’s top pickleball player, is gearing up for a significant challenge at the Rise Up Championship, an Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) sanctioned PWR 1000 event, starting this Friday in Chennai. Fresh from winning the men’s singles title at the Tamil Nadu State Championship last week, Jaishnu is looking to leverage his recent success.

The 25-year-old athlete’s journey in pickleball commenced just a year ago, after leaving his career as a professional tennis player. Initially viewing pickleball as a hobby, he quickly caught the attention of coaches and mentors who recognized his talent, encouraging him to pursue the sport more seriously.

“I started playing pickleball a year ago, earlier I was a professional tennis player. After I quit tennis, I started playing pickleball as a hobby, but soon after, a few people realized the potential I had,” Jaishnu said. “They pushed me into the sport, made me play tournaments—and my journey grew from there.”

Jaishnu has made impressive progress in a short time, reaching the semifinals of an international pro-level event where he lost to the Asian No. 3. Currently, he holds the title of Tamil Nadu No. 1 and is ranked 11th in India.

<p“Attending the Rise Up Championship is thrilling for me,” he expressed. “This is the first time Chennai is hosting an event of this rank, and the facilities provided are remarkable.”

Set against the picturesque Chennai coastline, the championship promises to be a unique experience for the players. “The organisers have done well to create indoor courts to avoid the effects of wind while playing, and they’ve included amenities to enhance our experience,” he noted.

As he steps onto the court, Jaishnu carries with him the spirit of recent victories, the ambition to excel, and the anticipation of competing in India’s largest professional pickleball tournament to date. The Rise Up Championship is poised to showcase the growth and excitement surrounding pickleball in the country.