Indian Pickleball Association: Pioneering the Future of Pickleball in India
Celebrating Success and Growth in the Sport
Dev Shah and Purvansh Patel clinch the U-18 boys doubles title at the 4th IPA Nationals, marking a significant milestone as the IPA gains official recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, paving the way for India’s hosting of the Pickleball Asia Cup 2025.
India Set to Serve Up Pickleball Glory: IPA Recognized as Official Governing Body
Greater Noida, India – In a landmark development for the burgeoning sport of pickleball, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the governing body for pickleball in India. This recognition paves the way for India to host the highly anticipated Pickleball Asia Cup in 2025, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s growth within the country.
At the recent 4th IPA Nationals held at Bennett University, Greater Noida, young talents Dev Shah and Purvansh Patel clinched the U-18 boys doubles title, showcasing the rising competitive spirit among Indian players. The event attracted over 500 participants from more than 20 states, reflecting the sport’s increasing popularity.
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the IPA, expressed his enthusiasm for the recognition, stating, "This is a defining moment, but we see it as just the beginning. Our focus is firmly on the future—building a pipeline of talent, creating career opportunities, and ensuring every Indian has access to the joy and benefits of pickleball."
The IPA, a Class A member of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), aims to promote the sport globally while striving for its inclusion in prestigious events like the Asian Games and the Olympics. Javier Regalado, President of the GPF, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the significance of India’s growing passion for pickleball.
To expand the sport’s footprint across the nation, the IPA has laid out an ambitious roadmap that includes structured programs aligned with government initiatives such as Khelo India and Khel Mahakumbh. Plans are underway to integrate pickleball into school sports programs, ensuring early exposure for youngsters. Additionally, a nationwide referee and coach certification program will be introduced to build a robust ecosystem.
In a bid to promote gender equality, the IPA will also expand the Women’s Pickleball Cup, encouraging more women to engage in the sport both recreationally and competitively. The association is committed to youth player development, with plans to establish Regional High-Performance Junior Training Centres and host International Coaches Conferences.
The IPA’s previous successes, including the IPA-sanctioned PWR DUPR India Masters held in New Delhi, have garnered significant media attention and international participation. Recent data indicates a staggering 159% increase in the number of pickleball players in India from 2019 to 2022, underscoring the sport’s widespread appeal across various age groups.
As the IPA continues to nurture top talents like Aditya Ruhela and Vishnu Vardhan, the association is also focused on preparing Indian players for international competitions, including the Pickleball World Cup. The partnership with the Times Group-backed Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) is set to further accelerate the IPA’s mission, promoting pickleball nationwide through engaging content and events.
With a growing player base, committed leadership, and a global outlook, the Indian Pickleball Association is poised to lead India into a new era of sports that champions inclusion, excellence, and opportunities for all. As the nation gears up for the Pickleball Asia Cup in 2025, the excitement surrounding this dynamic sport is palpable, promising a bright future for pickleball in India.
