AIPA Appeals to PM Modi: Urges Recognition for Pickleball After 18 Years of Neglect
Pickleball Association Appeals to PM for Justice After 18 Years of Overlooked Recognition
New Delhi, May 5, 2025 (ANI) — In a heartfelt plea, the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has reached out to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, urging him to address what they describe as an ongoing injustice in the recognition of the sport of pickleball. The letter, sent on Sunday, highlights the association’s frustration over being overlooked by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) for nearly two decades.
Established in 2007, AIPA stands as the oldest and most widely represented governing body for pickleball in India, boasting active federations in 24 states. The association has been instrumental in the sport’s growth, becoming a founding member of both the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the Asian Pickleball Federation (APF), with official affiliations granted in 2015 and 2020, respectively.
In their letter, AIPA expressed deep disappointment, stating, "Respected Prime Minister, we write this letter not just as members of AIPA, but as citizens who believe in merit, justice, and the idea of India as a sporting nation built on hard work, not political preferences." They emphasized the grassroots efforts that have transformed pickleball from an obscure sport to one played across more than 25 states, with thousands of players, coaches, and tournaments.
The association’s concerns were further amplified by the recent decision from the MYAS to grant National Sports Federation (NSF) status to the newly formed Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), which was established just five months ago. AIPA questioned the implications of this decision, asking, "Is this the message we wish to send to the sporting world — that merit doesn’t matter, and sweat can be tuned by influence?"
The letter articulated a broader concern, stating, "This is not just a case of AIPA being overlooked. It’s a case of Indian sport being undermined. Years of effort are being erased by a shortcut." They called for a transparent review of the decision, urging the Prime Minister to ensure that the integrity of Indian sports is upheld and that the dedication of athletes, coaches, and associations is recognized.
In a poignant conclusion, AIPA appealed for intervention, emphasizing that this issue transcends pickleball: "This is about principle. And about the India we want to become."
As the pickleball community awaits a response, the call for justice resonates, highlighting the ongoing struggle for recognition and fairness in the world of Indian sports.
