The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), officially recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the sole National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball in India, has strongly condemned the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) for defying this recognition. The 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. The IPA also dismissed AIPA’s claims of hosting a “World Pickleball Championship” as a private, unrecognized event linked to foreign organizers, raising concerns about visa misuse and national security.
The IPA warned players, sponsors, and manufacturers that AIPA has no legal authority to govern pickleball in India, labeling its activities as misleading, unauthorized, and potentially illegal. The IPA emphasized that only it, as the recognized NSF, can sanction official events, certifications, and training, underscoring the importance of adherence to legal and regulatory frameworks for the sport’s proper development in India.
