B.Tech. Data Science student wins five national titles and helps India secure bronze at APPC 2026 in the Philippines
Mumbai, October 2026: Balancing academics with professional-level sport is never easy, but Samar Malhotra, a Semester V B.Tech. Data Science student at SVKM’s NMIMS Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management & Engineering (MPSTME), is proving that dedication can create success both inside and outside the classroom.
Samar has achieved the No. 2 ranking in India in padel, a rapidly growing racquet sport, while also securing five national-level titles. His journey reached another milestone when he represented India at the Asia Pacific Padel Championship (APPC) 2026 in the Philippines, where the Indian team won a bronze medal.
For Samar, the achievement is a result of consistent training, discipline and passion for the sport. His success at national tournaments has helped establish him as one of India’s promising young padel players, while his international appearance has given him an opportunity to compete against athletes from across the region.
Padel, which combines elements of tennis and squash, has been gaining popularity in India over the past few years. With more players entering competitive circuits, athletes like Samar are contributing to the growth of the sport by bringing attention to national and international competitions.
While his sporting achievements continue to grow, Samar has also maintained his focus on academics. Pursuing a B.Tech. in Data Science at MPSTME, NMIMS, he manages the demands of competitive sport along with coursework and college responsibilities.
The ability to balance training schedules, tournaments and academic commitments requires strong time management and commitment. Samar’s journey reflects how students can continue pursuing their interests while building their academic careers.
Speaking about Samar’s achievement, Dr Koteswararao, Dean, MPSTME, NMIMS, said, “It is encouraging to see students like Samar pursue their sporting ambitions alongside their academic commitments. His No. 2 ranking in India, five national titles and representation at an international tournament reflect his hard work and dedication. At NMIMS MPSTME, we encourage our students to explore their interests beyond the classroom and develop their potential in different areas. We are proud of Samar’s achievements and wish him continued success in both his academic and sporting journey.”
Samar’s accomplishments highlight the importance of providing young athletes with opportunities to develop their skills while continuing their education. His progress in padel showcases how passion, perseverance and discipline can help students achieve recognition at national and international levels.
As he continues competing and improving his game, Samar aims to take Indian padel to greater heights while inspiring more students to explore sports alongside their academic pursuits.
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