Three Pickleball players from Bolton enjoyed international success in the Indian Open and Thai Open tournaments in the fast-growing sport.

And to complete the local links, Elaine Shallcross – Pickleball’s North-west regional director and a former Bolton badminton player – was the main organiser of the Thai Open.

Pickleball has swept through America, counting celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio and George Clooney among its many fans.

It is now sweeping across the UK in the last few years.

It is a mixture of tennis, badminton and table tennis, played indoors or outdoors with over-sized table tennis bats and a special plastic ball.

The Bolton News: At the Thailand Open Pickleball Championships from left, Jo Hurst, Bill Ault, Vicky Ault and Nisha RajaAt the Thailand Open Pickleball Championships from left, Jo Hurst, Bill Ault, Vicky Ault and Nisha Raja

Jo Hurst and Nisha Raja are both members at Markland Hill Racquets Club in Bolton and enjoyed success in the Indian Open in Goa first of all. They were joined by another Bolton player Karen Minnit and the three represented England’s interests in the tournament.

This event was held over three days with 468 players from all over the world taking part. Jo and Nisha played in the over 50s ladies’ doubles and won a silver medal. Jo then won another silver medal with her Indian partner Ashu Pednekar in the mixed doubles and Nisha won a silver in the ladies’ singles.

Jo, Nisha and Karen then travelled to Thailand where 106 players from England were competing in a total of 452 players from Thailand, Singapore, Canada and Australia.

Here, they met up with fellow Markland Hill Club members Vicky and Bill Ault to take part in the Thai Open. Unfortunately, Vicky broke her foot in training and could not compete.

The Bolton News: Bolton pickleball players Jo Hurst, left, and Nisha Raja enjoying a successful run in the Indian OpenBolton pickleball players Jo Hurst, left, and Nisha Raja enjoying a successful run in the Indian Open

Bill had better fortune. Playing down an age-group in the over 50s men’s doubles he won a gold medal with his Australian partner and added a bronze in the over 60s mixed doubles with Jacqui Milner.

Jo continued her run of success with another silver medal in the over 60s mixed doubles with David Bundgard.

She commented: “It was a brilliant combination of friendly sport and lovely holiday.”