The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the officially recognized National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball in India, has strongly condemned the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) for defying the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports’ decision to recognize IPA as the sole governing body. IPA accused AIPA of unauthorized use of “India” in its name and state associations, organizing illegal tournaments, and conducting unapproved equipment certifications and training programs, all of which violate Indian laws and the National Sports Development Code of India.
Furthermore, IPA criticized AIPA’s claims of hosting a “World Pickleball Championship” in India, clarifying it is an unrecognized private event linked to a foreign individual and involving foreign players on tourist visas without proper permissions, raising legal and security concerns. IPA warned players, sponsors, and manufacturers that AIPA has no legal authority in India, and its activities are misleading, unauthorized, and potentially illegal.
