Pickleball Magazine 3-5 WD | Page 90

PASSIONATE PICKLEBALLERS Are you Passionate About Pickleball? Send us your photos and you might see them printed here! To be considered for publication, all high-quality photos must be original size, digital format (1MB or larger) and highest resolution possible, 300 dpi preferred. R ajasthan is a northern Indian state that borders Pakistan. Its palaces and forts are reminders of the many kingdoms that historically vied for the region. In its capital, Jaipur, are the 18th-century City Palace and Hawa Mahal, a former cloister for royal women. This is where Mohit Jangid grew up. Mohit has always been an active, healthy person. With the influence of his Ayurvedic father, mother and two sisters, he eats a vegetarian diet, stretches and exercises daily. Mohit received a bachelor’s in Technology in India. After working for some time, he decided he wanted a global education and exposure to technological advances in the U.S. After applying to several universities, Mohit chose Ohio State University to continue a Master’s of Science program in order to teach at the university level in India someday. Mohit’s background in athletics and current exercise regime includes tennis, soccer, badminton, cricket, ping- pong, and volleyball. Although he heard of pickleball in India, with so many other sports to play, he never looked into how or where to play. That all changed when he moved to Canonsburg, PA. Mohit had an internship at Ansys in Southpointe to test software for quality assurance. What brought him to the pickleball was an evening stroll through the park to get exercise. As he was walking by the upper courts, our Goddess of Pickleball, Mary Catherine, shouts out, “Pickleball!” Mohit was some distance from the courts and thought he heard, “Pick a ball.” His first thought was, “What kind of game is that?” As he got closer, he understood what the game was called. He stayed that night and played. He’s been there ever since and is even self-taught on the rules and has refereed a few games. We are thankful for the joy and happiness our international friend brings to the game, and to the group! “Hit Me With Your Best Shot” was just one of the high-energy tunes played as the Georgia Mountain Pickleball Club strutted their stuff during the 68th Annual Parade in Hiawassee, GA. More than 70 players walked alongside their custom float, tossing pickleballs, candy and pickleball keychains 88 TO SUBSCRIBE CALL 888.308.3720 OR GO TO THEPICKLEBALLMAG.COM Submitted by Doug McKenery to cheerful parade watchers. The club also had a “rolling net” that was pulled behind the float with players volleying over it as they walked. Now that’s creative—something pickleballers have in abundance! • Submitted by John Hall