Indian Pickleball Association Achieves National Sports Federation Status: A New Era for Pickleball in India

Indian Pickleball Association Celebrates Historic Recognition as National Sports Federation

New Delhi, October 5, 2023 — The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) marked a significant milestone on Thursday as it convened a meeting 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 landmark achievement positions pickleball alongside other major sports in the country, paving the way for structured development, funding, and nationwide promotion.

The event gathered board members, key stakeholders, and representatives from over 25 states and union territories, including Presidents and General Secretaries, to outline IPA’s strategic roadmap for the sport’s growth across India.

IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar emphasized the importance of this recognition, stating, “This is not just a historic milestone; it is a call to action. We are committed to establishing a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India, focusing on talent identification, equitable access, and global competitiveness. Our mission is to win medals for India at both junior and pro levels on the international stage.”

In an ambitious plan, the IPA announced it will host over 100 events this year across various states, catering to all age groups in both Men’s and Women’s categories. The introduction of the Indian Pickleball Ranking structure aims to foster competitive play and enhance participation at the grassroots level.

One of the most exciting announcements was the launch of India’s first official Pickleball Nationals under MYAS, expected to attract over 1,000 players from 25 states in both individual and team formats. Additionally, the IPA is set to collaborate with the Times Group to create a flagship league featuring both Indian and international athletes, culminating in a year-end Masters tournament to crown the top-ranked players.

The IPA’s vision extends beyond national borders, with plans to engage with global organizations to position India as a formidable player on the international stage. This includes efforts to host the first Official Asia Cup and pursue Olympic recognition through the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).

Aalap Sharma, Treasurer of IPA, remarked, “The landmark decision by MYAS to recognize IPA as the 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.”

In addition to immediate plans, the IPA is focused 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 the works to provide a pathway for players transitioning from amateur to professional ranks.

With a clear vision and a dedicated community, the IPA is poised to make pickleball a household name in India, ensuring that the sport thrives for generations to come.