Indian Pickleball Association Celebrates Recognition as National Sports Federation, Unveils Ambitious Plans for Growth and Development
Indian Pickleball Association Celebrates Historic Recognition as National Sports Federation
New Delhi: In a landmark event on Thursday, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) convened in New Delhi to celebrate its official recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India. This significant achievement marks a pivotal moment for the sport, positioning pickleball alongside other major sports in India and paving the way for structured development, funding, and nationwide promotion.
The meeting aimed to outline IPA’s strategic roadmap for the growth and promotion of pickleball across the country. It brought together board members, key stakeholders, and representatives from over 25 states and union territories, including Presidents and General Secretaries from various state associations.
IPA announced ambitious plans to host over 100 events this year across different states, catering to all age groups in both Men’s and Women’s categories. The association is also set to launch the Indian Pickleball Ranking structure, aimed at revolutionizing the sport in India through a structured, inclusive, and professionally managed ecosystem that encourages nationwide participation and grassroots growth.
One of the highlights of the event was the announcement of India’s first official Pickleball Nationals under MYAS, which is expected to attract over 1,000 players from 25 states in both individual and team formats. Additionally, the IPA will collaborate with the Times Group to launch a flagship league featuring both Indian and international athletes, culminating in a year-end Masters tournament to crown the top-ranked players.
Mr. Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of IPA, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The official recognition as a National Sports Federation is a historic milestone, but it is also a call to action. We are committed to establishing a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India, focusing on talent identification, equitable access, professional training, and global competitiveness. Our mission is to win medals for India at the junior and pro levels on the international stage.”
The IPA is also set to engage with global organizations to position India as a significant player internationally, including efforts to host the first Official Asia Cup and pursue Olympic recognition through the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). The association plans to create a robust and sustainable pickleball ecosystem through academy accreditation, technical training for coaches and referees, and integration with initiatives like Khelo India and school networks.
In addition to immediate plans, IPA is working on long-term initiatives, including infrastructure development projects in collaboration with local governments, coaching certification programs, and the establishment of pickleball academies in major cities. A structured league system is also in development to foster competitive play and provide pathways for players transitioning from amateur to professional ranks.
Aalap Sharma, Treasurer of IPA, emphasized the vision for pickleball in India, stating, “The landmark decision by MYAS to recognize IPA as National Sports Federation is the beginning of a revolution in pickleball. Our goal is to make India a pickleball hub of the world. By fostering partnerships and encouraging inclusive participation, we will elevate pickleball to new heights, making it accessible, competitive, and thriving for generations to come.”
As the IPA embarks on this exciting journey, the future of pickleball in India looks promising, with aspirations to make the sport a household name and position the nation as a global powerhouse in the pickleball arena.
