Delhi High Court Orders Ministry of Sports to Justify Recognition of Indian Pickleball Association Amid Legal Challenge from AIPA
Delhi High Court Orders Ministry to Justify Recognition of Indian Pickleball Association Amid Legal Challenge
New Delhi, May 2, 2025 (ANI) — In a pivotal move for the governance of sports in India, the Delhi High Court has mandated the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to provide a comprehensive affidavit explaining its decision to recognize the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). This directive comes in response to a legal challenge from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the oldest governing body for the sport in the country.
Founded in 2007, AIPA has been instrumental in promoting and developing pickleball across India, boasting active federations in 24 states. As a founding member of both the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the Asian Pickleball Federation (APF), AIPA has played a crucial role in the sport’s structured growth over nearly two decades.
In its petition, AIPA argues that the recognition granted to the IPA violates the National Sports Development Code of India, which stipulates that a recognized body must have been in existence for a minimum of three years—a criterion AIPA claims the IPA does not meet.
The Delhi High Court has taken note of these concerns and has requested MYAS to justify any exemptions granted under the Sports Code. An interim relief hearing has been scheduled for May 19, 2025.
"AIPA contends that the recognition order is arbitrary and unsustainable under the law," the association stated in a press release. Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan, representing AIPA, was supported by a team of legal experts, including Advocates Hemant Phalpher, Jaya Phalpher, and R. Iyer.
Advocate Hemant Phalpher emphasized the importance of the Sports Code, stating, "The code exists to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the recognition of National Sports Federations. If it is diluted arbitrarily, it could jeopardize the entire sporting ecosystem."
As the legal battle unfolds, AIPA remains committed to upholding the principles of good governance in sports. The association continues to maintain its affiliations with the IPF and the APF, leading the charge in the growth and development of pickleball throughout India.
This case not only highlights the complexities of sports governance in India but also raises critical questions about the integrity and transparency of the processes that govern national sports federations. As the May 19 hearing approaches, all eyes will be on the Delhi High Court to see how it navigates this significant issue in Indian sports.
