Indian Pickleball Association Achieves National Sports Federation Status: A New Era for Pickleball in India
Indian Pickleball Association Gains National Recognition, Paving the Way for a Sports Revolution
New Delhi, India — In a landmark moment for one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) celebrated its official recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) on Thursday. The event, held in New Delhi, marked a significant milestone in the sport’s journey towards mainstream acceptance and global competitiveness.
The gathering brought together board members, state representatives, and key stakeholders from over 25 states and union territories, signaling the dawn of a new era for pickleball in India. The focus of the meeting was to develop a strategic roadmap aimed at expanding the sport’s reach and establishing India as a formidable player on the global pickleball stage.
“This is more than just a recognition. It’s a historic call to action,” stated Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of IPA. “We now have the platform to build a world-class sporting ecosystem for pickleball—driven by talent, access, training, and international ambition.”
A Vision for the Future
During the meeting, the IPA unveiled an ambitious development plan for 2025 and beyond, which includes:
- 100+ Pickleball Events: A nationwide series of competitions catering to all age groups and skill levels.
- First Official Pickleball Nationals: Slated to feature over 1,000 players in both individual and team formats, this event will set the stage for national talent to shine.
- New Ranking Structure: A formalized system to enhance athlete development and competition.
- Flagship League: In collaboration with the Times Group, this league will showcase both Indian and international players.
- Masters Tournament: An annual event to crown the top-ranked athletes.
A key pillar of the IPA’s vision is grassroots integration. Through initiatives like Khelo India, the association aims to introduce pickleball into schools, colleges, and sports academies across the nation. Plans are also in place to accredit training academies, develop coaching certifications, and collaborate with local governments to build dedicated pickleball courts.
Global Ambitions
The IPA is not just focused on domestic growth; it also aims for global engagement. Plans include collaboration with the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) and pursuing India’s inclusion in the Olympic movement. Additionally, India is being positioned as a potential host for the inaugural Asia Cup, further enhancing its international profile.
Aalap Sharma, Treasurer of IPA, encapsulated the association’s bold vision: “The recognition by MYAS is just the beginning. We want to make India a global hub for pickleball—competitive, inclusive, and accessible. We’re laying the foundation for a thriving pickleball future through strategic partnerships and community-driven development.”
A New Era for Pickleball
With its new status as the NSF and an aggressive roadmap ahead, the Indian Pickleball Association is stepping into the spotlight. The organization is poised to transform every corner of India into a pickleball court and every player into a medal contender on the world stage.
As the sport continues to gain momentum, the IPA is committed to fostering a vibrant pickleball community that not only competes but thrives, ensuring that India becomes a powerhouse in this exciting and dynamic sport.
