Aanik Lohani

Aanik Lohani is a professional pickleball player from Golden Valley, Minnesota, currently ranked among the top 25 players in the world with a career-high world ranking of No. 14. Born and raised in Edina, Minnesota, Lohani picked up tennis at age seven and competed seriously until shoulder surgery for bone tumors forced him to pivot. He discovered pickleball in 2020 and immediately took to it, winning local Minnesota tournaments that same year. By 2021, he had captured the Minnesota statewide amateur championship, and by 2022, he turned pro and entered the top singles bracket on the PPA Tour. His 2023 season was a breakout year, reaching No. 14 in the world, finishing second in singles at PPA Las Vegas, and earning a sponsorship from JOOLA. Outside of pickleball, Lohani works full-time as a data engineer at U.S. Bank, balancing corporate life with the demands of professional competition. He also coaches advanced players at Lifetime and is a vocal advocate for growing the sport in the Minneapolis area.