Historic Recognition for Indian Pickleball: IPA Officially Designated as National Sports Federation

Indian Pickleball Association Gains Official Recognition as National Sports Federation

New Delhi, India — In a landmark development for the burgeoning sport of pickleball, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has received official recognition from the Government of India through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This designation empowers the IPA to serve as the national sports federation, tasked with the governance, promotion, and development of pickleball across the country.

This recognition marks a pivotal moment in the journey of pickleball in India, validating the IPA as the sole apex body for the sport. With a dedicated community and extensive groundwork laid by its members, the IPA is poised to usher in a new era of growth, aiming to create a nationwide ecosystem that emphasizes access, excellence, and opportunity.

Building a Strong Foundation

The IPA envisions a robust and inclusive sporting landscape, aiming to register 100,000 active players participating in events and national competitions across all age groups. Central to this vision is a comprehensive grassroots development program and the establishment of additional National High-Performance Centres for elite training.

A key focus for the IPA is the development of youth players, which includes training, officiating, and creating professional pathways. The association is actively working to integrate pickleball into schools, aligning with initiatives like the Khelo India Women’s Pickleball Cup to promote gender inclusion. Additionally, the IPA plans to host international coaching conferences to facilitate knowledge exchange and implement nationwide certification programs for referees and coaches.

A National Impact

Demonstrating its growing influence, the IPA Nationals scheduled for January 2025 at Bennett University in Greater Noida is set to welcome over 500 players from more than 20 Indian states. The tournament will feature 14 international-standard courts, showcasing the rising competitive standards of the sport in India.

Earlier this year, the IPA-sanctioned PWR DUPR India Masters 2024 at DLTA Stadium in New Delhi attracted global attention, drawing players from around the world. The association has also hosted clinics and coaching programs led by top international players, including APP World #1 Megan Fudge DeHeart and APP World #5 Ryler DeHeart, highlighting its commitment to bringing world-class expertise to Indian athletes.

A Vision for the Future

“This recognition is a historic milestone — but more importantly, it is a mandate to act,” stated Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the IPA. “We are committed to building a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India. Our mission is clear: talent identification, equitable access, professional training, and global competitiveness — winning medals for India at junior and pro levels on the world stage.”

Bhullar emphasized the collective experience of the current IPA team, which includes individuals who have represented India at the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games. “This expertise is a tremendous asset for the growth of pickleball in India. Together, we are committed to making pickleball one of the most popular sports in the country.”

As the IPA embarks on this ambitious journey, the future of pickleball in India looks promising, with the potential to inspire a new generation of athletes and sports enthusiasts.