News24 Exclusive: ‘In The Next 10 Years, It Will Surpass…’
In a country where cricket dominates conversations and stadiums, a quirky, fast-paced sport with an even quirkier name is quietly winning hearts – Pickleball. Once a backyard pastime in the United States, Pickleball is now one of India’s fastest-growing recreational and competitive sports, gaining traction across cities, age groups, and fitness circles. So, what exactly is this sport everyone suddenly seems to be talking about?
Wait, What Is Pickleball?
Imagine tennis, badminton, and table tennis rolled into one – that’s Pickleball. It’s played on a smaller court with paddles (not racquets) and a plastic perforated ball. The game is simple to learn, incredibly fun, and addictively competitive. Whether you’re a teenager looking for a fast-paced sport, or a senior searching for a joint-friendly workout, Pickleball caters to everyone.
Talking with a 2-times medalist from state, Amit Saxena – He stated that “Pickleball is an emerging game which is getting noticed by a lot of sports enthusiast.”
One of Bengaluru’s player Akhil Parashar also shared his views – “Pickleball is a new dynamic sport for this and upcoming generations which would eventually promote this game.”
The Rise of Pickleball in India
Until a few years ago, barely anyone in India had heard of Pickleball. But now, it’s booming. Over 20 states have active Pickleball associations, and cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, Pune, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Ahmedabad are seeing dedicated courts spring up in parks, sports clubs, and gated communities. The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), formed in 2008, has seen a surge in membership, tournament participation, and recognition at the international level.
Part of its charm is accessibility, the equipment is affordable, the court smaller, and the learning curve gentle. It doesn’t demand elite-level fitness or years of training to enjoy. And in a digital world where people crave community and real-world connection, Pickleball brings people together in the most refreshing way.
Celebrity and Corporate Buzz
Even the elite are joining the Pickleball party. Several Indian entrepreneurs and celebrities have been spotted taking to the court. Recently, corporate wellness programs have started introducing Pickleball as a team-building sport due to its social, inclusive, and low-impact nature.
India’s Global Pickleball Aspirations
India isn’t just playing for fun. Indian athletes are now making their mark in international tournaments, and the country is actively preparing for major global competitions. Young players from Maharashtra and Karnataka have already bagged medals abroad, and there’s talk of India becoming a serious contender in the global pickleball scene within the next five years.
Amit Saxena also stated that “The way this sports (Pickleball) is growing in the country, in 10-years, it will surpass Tennis in terms of popularity and may compete Cricket, Also in the upcoming 2032 Olympics, (Pickleball) will probably get featured with Tennis and other sports.”
Why Pickleball Fits India Perfectly
In a culture that values community, quick games, and multi-generational interaction, pickleball checks all the boxes. It doesn’t need huge grounds or expensive infrastructure. A badminton court can be easily converted. It allows office-goers, school kids, and retirees to compete on a level playing field quite literally.
Plus, with increasing health awareness post-COVID, more Indians are looking for sports that are fun, safe, and offer both physical and mental well-being. Pickleball fits the bill.