Pickleball in India is moving beyond a passing trend. The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) is building a structured pathway to transform the sport’s rapid growth into a sustainable sporting ecosystem.
Key Milestones in India's Pickleball Journey:
- The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) received National Sports Federation (NSF) recognition in April 2025, allowing it to formally develop the sport nationwide.
- More than 150 sanctioned tournaments have been held, including the launch of the Indian Pickleball League.
- IPA is focusing on ranking systems, coach and referee certification, and school-level integration to professionalize the sport.
- A first-of-its-kind paddle testing and certification laboratory is being planned to support domestic manufacturing.
IPA’s Vision: Turning Pickleball Growth Into a Sporting Movement
With National Sports Federation (NSF) recognition secured, the IPA now has a stronger foundation to officially develop, regulate and expand pickleball across the country. The milestone came in April 2025, when the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports granted NSF status to the organisation, marking a major step forward for the sport’s future in India.
From Recognition to a Growing Competitive Scene
Since gaining official recognition, pickleball in India has continued to gain momentum. The IPA has already organised more than 150 sanctioned tournaments across the country, including the first National Championship and the introduction of the Indian Pickleball League.
These events are helping create a more structured competitive environment while giving players greater opportunities to develop at different levels.
Building a Professional Pathway for Players
IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar believes the next stage of growth requires more than just increasing participation—it requires professional standards. The organisation has introduced a national ranking system based on global formats, covering events from PWR 50 to PWR 1000.
Alongside rankings, the IPA has also launched coaching and referee certification programmes to improve consistency and quality across the sport. Bhullar highlighted that these initiatives are designed to create a complete ecosystem where players, coaches and officials can progress together.
Pickleball Expands Beyond India’s Major Cities
While the sport initially gained popularity in urban centres such as Gujarat and Maharashtra, pickleball is now spreading to new regions across the country. Growing communities are emerging in the Northeast, while states including Jammu & Kashmir, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are also seeing increased interest.
The arrival of former tennis players has further strengthened India’s pickleball talent pool, adding competitive experience and helping raise the overall level of play.
Schools Become the Next Growth Frontier
The IPA sees schools as a key part of pickleball’s long-term development strategy. Efforts are underway to introduce the sport into physical education programmes, with more schools adopting pickleball, building courts and creating opportunities for young athletes.
Partnerships such as the collaboration with Sports Gurukul for an inter-school championship are helping expand youth participation. Discussions are also ongoing to include pickleball in major government-backed initiatives, including CBSE sports and Khelo India, which could create a nationwide pathway for future talent.
India Moves Toward Homegrown Pickleball Manufacturing
Beyond player development, the IPA is also looking to strengthen the sport’s equipment ecosystem. The organisation is working with USA Pickleball to establish India’s first paddle testing and certification laboratory, which is expected to become operational by the end of the year.
The facility aims to reduce the need for overseas testing while supporting local equipment production. Bhullar believes the project will encourage domestic manufacturing and align with India’s broader “Make in India” vision.
The IPA’s strategy is focused on creating strong foundations through infrastructure, education, coaching and innovation. Rather than chasing short-term growth, the organisation is building a complete system designed to turn pickleball’s popularity into a lasting sporting legacy in India.
