Pickleball, a sport that surged in global popularity during the COVID-19 pandemic, is still in its early stages of development in India. However, its ascent has been impressive, attracting participants from diverse age groups and backgrounds. A significant milestone in establishing a structured framework for this growth occurred last year when the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) was granted recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF).
Building pickleball from the ground up
Since its inception, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has sanctioned over 150 tournaments, hosted the first Nationals, and launched the inaugural Indian Pickleball League last December. The federation believes that the next stage of growth lies in expanding the sport’s ecosystem beyond franchise leagues.
“We’ve implemented a structured ranking system, initiated coaching and referee certification programs, and organized tournaments under the PWR ranking framework,” Bhullar shared with Hindustan Times.
In the past year alone, the IPA has conducted more than 150 sanctioned events within the PWR ranking system, which includes competitions ranging from PWR 50 to PWR 1000. Tournament organizers are categorized according to established guidelines.
In addition to competitive events, the IPA has introduced a coaching certification program in collaboration with EPR, a US-based organization, and has also established a referee certification program to standardize officiating practices nationwide.
As pickleball continues to define its presence in India, Bhullar acknowledges that a significant challenge remains: promoting the sport beyond urban centers. He is optimistic that progress is already underway.
“We currently have 26 affiliated state bodies actively organizing tournaments, contributing to the sport’s growth across the country. Regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Northeast India are becoming hubs of new talent. After my visit to Nagaland last year, I anticipated remarkable players would emerge from the area, and that prediction is coming true,” he stated.
More schools are now incorporating pickleball into their curricula and constructing dedicated courts. Bhullar mentioned that previously, parents approached the IPA for letters since schools were reluctant to permit students to attend tournaments. However, that attitude is changing.
This year, the IPA has teamed up with Sports Gurukul to establish an inter-school pickleball championship. Concurrently, discussions are ongoing with the government to include pickleball within the CBSE sports program and to secure its inclusion in Khelo India.
Furthermore, the IPA is collaborating with USA Pickleball to create India’s first equipment testing and certification laboratory. While this project requires substantial private investment, the federation aims to have the facility operational by year-end.
“This development would be transformative, especially for Indian manufacturers. Currently, all paddles require testing and certification in the United States, which can be costly and time-consuming. Establishing this infrastructure in India would streamline the process and incentivize more local brands to produce equipment domestically. This aligns with the Make in India initiative, and we are eager to support local manufacturing,” he noted.
For the IPA, the strategy is straightforward: focus on building facilities, training coaches, and establishing pathways first—champions will follow.
Player Focus
In April 2025, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports officially recognized the National Sports Federation (NSF), enabling the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) to spearhead the development and regulation of pickleball in India. According to IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, the organization is dedicated to establishing a sustainable pathway for athletes. This includes creating structured ranking systems, enhancing coach and referee training, and expanding grassroots initiatives through school programs and government-backed initiatives like CBSE sports and Khelo India.
“Government recognition has been a pivotal moment for our sport. With the IPA now functioning as the National Sports Federation, we have launched organized systems to benefit players nationwide.”
Previously dominated by Gujarat and Maharashtra, the domestic pickleball circuit is witnessing a shift with the Northeast emerging as a formidable hub for the sport. Increased participation has also been observed in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, where several former tennis athletes are transitioning to pickleball.
“Kolkata has produced exceptional talent over the last two years, primarily attracting tennis players. While Gujarat and Maharashtra used to lead the scene, that landscape is rapidly changing. Southern India is also on the rise, with promising players from Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and several other smaller towns,” Bhullar added.
For pickleball to transition from a rapidly growing leisure activity to a robust competitive sport, its future hinges on the strength of its grassroots initiatives. Acknowledging this, the federation is concentrating its efforts on schools, not just to increase the sport’s popularity but to cultivate a consistent pipeline for future talent.
Match Outlook
“We are actively pursuing this initiative, which demands a significant financial commitment. Currently, our efforts are focused on securing funding through private partnerships, as we do not yet have access to government grants. We are optimistic that by the end of this year, we will have the facility operational,” stated Bhullar. The planned laboratory aims to decrease both the financial and temporal burdens of certifying paddles internationally while promoting local manufacturing.
