Guwahati, MAY 2: Nazneen Rahman, a pickleball coach from Assam, has been selected for an international leadership initiative aimed at advancing the role of women in racquet sports. She is among 20 participants chosen globally for the inaugural “Women Who Rally” programme, a 10-month cohort focused on coaching excellence and leadership development.
The initiative has been jointly launched by the Professional Tennis Registry and the Professional Pickleball Registry to support and mentor female coaches across disciplines such as tennis and pickleball. Organisers said the selection process was highly competitive, with candidates evaluated on leadership potential and their contributions to sport.
Rahman, who is associated with the Assam Pickleball Association, was recognised for her efforts in grassroots development and player training. The cohort brings together coaches from multiple countries, creating a collaborative platform for knowledge-sharing and professional growth.
The programme will include structured modules on leadership skills, mentorship, and peer engagement, alongside opportunities to exchange best practices with international counterparts. Participants are expected to implement these learnings within their respective sporting ecosystems.
Rahman said the exposure would contribute to improving coaching standards and encourage wider participation of women in racquet sports across India. Officials linked to the programme noted that such global engagement could play a key role in strengthening the country’s expanding pickleball landscape.
Pickleball has witnessed steady growth in India in recent years, with increasing participation and the establishment of state-level bodies. Initiatives like “Women Who Rally” are expected to support the development of a more inclusive and professionally trained coaching network, particularly for women in sport.
