## Young Talent: Tama Shimabukuro’s Journey
Before making waves on the PPA Tour, 15-year-old Tama Shimabukuro was carving out a name for himself in the world of skateboarding. Growing up in Hawaii, he found his passion for the sport at just six years old, inspired by his older brother, Tahje.
### The Allure of Skateboarding
“I fell in love with skateboarding right away. Every session saw me improving,” Tama shared. The thrill of mastering new tricks and the satisfaction of finding his flow at skateparks fueled his dedication. He enjoyed linking tricks seamlessly, creating a unique rhythm that captivated both fans and fellow riders.
As his skillset evolved, so did his reputation. Tama’s aggressive yet composed skating style quickly drew comparisons to top-tier professionals. “I like to mix flair with creativity in my tricks,” he noted, highlighting his preference for innovative maneuvers over mere speed.
### Recognizing Unique Talent
At home, Tama’s family began to notice his exceptional talent. “People would often comment, ‘Your kid skates differently—there’s something special about him,’” reflected his mother, Tatum Shimabukuro. Initially unsure of what this meant, she soon recognized the truth as Tama’s accolades piled up.
“In the beginning, I thought it was just parental pride,” Tatum recounted. “But as he started to achieve more, I saw that maybe he really is exceptional. There was a buzz around him—you could sense it.”
### A Promise for the Future
With every competition he entered, expectations grew higher for Tama. “He was incredibly talented from a young age. I believed he had the potential to be the next Nyjah Huston,” his mother stated. His skills stood out even when placed alongside seasoned professionals.
“His sports IQ is off the charts for his age,” Tatum explained. “He performed tricks that many adults, who had been skating for years, couldn’t manage. Being invited to The Berrics was a significant marker of his talent.”
At one point, there were even aspirations for Olympic glory. “That was the year we thought he could make it to the Olympics,” Tatum said, referencing the inclusion of skateboarding in the Olympic roster in 2020. The family was excited about his potential to represent both Hawaii and the United States.
### A New Direction: Discovering Pickleball
The shift towards pickleball began during a family trip to Southern California. “We kept seeing people having such a blast playing it, and I thought, ‘Why not give it a shot?’” Tama recalled. Following his mother’s curiosity, the family soon acquired paddles from a local store and started playing on the streets.
However, the transition to pickleball wasn’t instantaneous. “Initially, I didn’t take it seriously,” Tatum admitted. “Tama was cautious; he didn’t want to risk getting hurt. Now, he’s actively training and competing against serious players—it’s incredible to see.”
### Balancing Two Passions
Despite his newfound focus on pickleball, skateboarding remains dear to Tama. “It’s a fantastic sport, and I have immense respect for those who commit to it. The dedication is admirable,” he stated.
The shift in sports has opened up new opportunities for Tama while still maintaining a deep appreciation for his skateboarding roots. His journey is a testament to the evolving landscape of youth sports, reminding us that passion can lead in unexpected directions.
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## About the Indian Pickleball Association
The Indian Pickleball Association serves as the official governing body for pickleball in India, dedicated to promoting the growth of the sport nationwide. Through initiatives such as the IPA Nationals, the association inspires players of various ages and skill sets to engage with pickleball. Furthermore, it maintains affiliations with regional organizations like the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).
### Understanding the Pickleball World Ranking
The Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) is a comprehensive national ranking system that encompasses all ages, skill levels, and formats, including singles and doubles. It acts as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India, helping to highlight top players and guiding team selection processes at local, state, and national competitions.
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