Dipika Pallikal is one of India’s most successful squash players and a true sports icon. She made history by becoming the first Indian woman to break into the top 10 world rankings.
In this article, you will know Dipika Pallikal’s net worth, career earnings, career overview, stats, relationship, and more.
Dipika Pallikal’s Biography
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Dipika Rebecca Pallikal Karthik |
| Date of Birth | 21 September 1991 |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Education | Ethiraj College for Women (English Major) |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Height | 5 ft 7 in (1.71 m) |
| Weight | 60 kg (approx) |
| Turned Pro | 2006 |
| Net Worth | $3 Million (approx.) |
| Salary/Income | Grade A Player Salary (SRFI), Endorsements |
| Husband | Dinesh Karthik |
| Instagram Profile | @dipikapallikal |
| Twitter Profile | @DipikaPallikal |
Early Career
Dipika Pallikal was born in Chennai to a Malayali family. Her mother, Susan Pallikal, played international cricket for the Indian women’s team, so sports were always part of her life.
Dipika played her first international tournament in London when she was in the sixth grade. She showed great promise early on and won several titles on the European Junior Squash Circuit.
She trained at the IC-TNSRA Academy in Chennai under Cyrus Poncha. Her talent was clear when she became the National Champion at just 11 years old. However, her journey had some bumps.
At one point, she almost quit the sport because the training was interfering with her studies. But she returned with more focus and started training in Egypt and later in Australia under six-time world champion Sarah Fitz-Gerald.
This training helped her game immensely, and she turned professional in 2006, ready to take on the world stage.
Professional Career
Dipika’s professional career took off in 2011. That year, she won three WISPA tour titles, which pushed her up the rankings. Her biggest moment came in December 2012 when she broke into the top 10 of the WSA rankings.
She was the first Indian female squash player to achieve this feat. This was a huge deal for Indian squash and brought a lot of attention to the sport.
She continued to play well in major tournaments. In 2014, she and her doubles partner Joshna Chinappa won India’s first-ever squash gold medal at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
She also won medals at the Asian Games. Even after taking a break to start a family, she came back strong.
In 2022, she teamed up with Saurav Ghosal to win the gold medal in mixed doubles at the Commonwealth Games and also won the World Doubles Championships. She proved that she could still compete at the highest level after becoming a mother.
Husband
Dipika Pallikal is married to the famous Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik. They met at a gym where they both trained under the same fitness coach.
At first, Dipika did not like cricketers because she felt they took all the attention away from other sports. However, they became friends and eventually fell in love.
They got married in August 2015 in both Christian and Hindu ceremonies. The couple is very supportive of each other’s careers.
In October 2021, they welcomed twin boys named Kabir Pallikal Karthik and Zian Pallikal Karthik. They often share cute family pictures on social media, showing their life off the field.
Dipika Pallikal’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, Dipika Pallikal has an estimated net worth of roughly $3 million (approx. ₹25 Crores).
Career Earnings
| Year/Event | Achievement/Source | Estimated Earnings/Prize |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | CWG Gold Medal Bonus | ₹30 Lakhs (Govt Award) |
| 2015-Present | SRFI Grade A Salary | ₹2 Lakhs per month |
| 2022 | CWG Gold Medal Bonus | ₹20-30 Lakhs |
| Career Total | Total Prize Money (Est.) | $1 Million+ |
Endorsements
Dipika Pallikal has established herself as a premium brand ambassador, leveraging her status as India’s top squash player and her high-profile marriage to cricketer Dinesh Karthik.
Her most significant partnership is with the global sportswear giant Adidas, which signed her for their “all in for #mygirls” campaign to promote women’s fitness and supplies her on-court gear. Beyond sportswear, she has expanded her portfolio into lifestyle and wellness brands.
Recently, she and her husband featured in a romantic campaign for Mia by Tanishq, a jewelry brand, and also invested in and endorsed Poptopia, a hydration startup focused on tender coconut water.
She has also served as the face for Caratlane (online jewelry), Vencobb Chicken, and has a strategic partnership with the sports tech company Fanplay IoT.
Achievements
Dipika has won many awards and titles throughout her career. She is one of the most decorated squash players in India.
- Padma Shri (2014): She received India’s fourth-highest civilian award for her contribution to sports.
- Arjuna Award (2012): The Indian government honored her with this prestigious sports award.
- Commonwealth Games Gold (2014): Won the Women’s Doubles Gold with Joshna Chinappa.
- Commonwealth Games Gold (2022): Won the Mixed Doubles Gold with Saurav Ghosal.
- World Doubles Champion (2022): Won two titles (Women’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles).
- PSA Titles: She has won 11 PSA Tour titles in her career.
- Asian Games: She has won multiple medals, including a Silver in the team event and Bronze in singles.
Career Stats
| Category | Statistic |
|---|---|
| Highest World Ranking | World No. 10 (Dec 2012) |
| PSA Titles Won | 11 |
| Commonwealth Games Medals | 1 Gold (Doubles), 1 Gold (Mixed), 1 Silver |
| Asian Games Medals | 1 Silver (Team), 3 Bronze (Singles/Team) |
| World Championships | 2 Gold (Doubles 2022) |
FAQs
1. Who is the husband of Dipika Pallikal?
Pallikal married Indian cricketer Dinesh Karthik in August 2015. The athletic couple welcomed twin boys named Kabir and Zian in October 2021, and they frequently share their family life and travels on social media.
2. Has Pallikal retired from professional squash?
After a three-year break to start a family, she made a stunning comeback to win gold medals in doubles events at the Commonwealth Games and World Championships.
3. What is Dipika’s highest world ranking?
She achieved a career-high world ranking of number 10. This achievement marked a significant milestone as she became the first Indian female squash player to break into the top 10 WSA rankings.
4. How much is Dipika Pallikal’s net worth?
Her financial standing remains strong with an estimated net worth of $3 million. She built this wealth through career prize money, government cash awards for international medals, and endorsements with major brands like Adidas.
5. Which major awards has she won?
The Indian government honored her with the Arjuna Award and the Padma Shri. On the court, she claimed historic gold medals at the 2014 Commonwealth Games and the 2022 World Doubles Championships.
