Indian Pickleball Association Celebrates Official Recognition as National Sports Federation in New Delhi
Indian Pickleball Association Celebrates Historic Recognition as National Sports Federation in New Delhi
New Delhi, 8 May 2025 — In a landmark event today, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) convened a special meeting in New Delhi to celebrate its official recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India. This pivotal achievement marks a significant milestone for pickleball in India, elevating the sport to the same status as other major sports and paving the way for enhanced development and funding opportunities.
The gathering brought together IPA Board members, key stakeholders, and representatives from over 25 states and union territories, including Presidents and General Secretaries from various state bodies. The meeting aimed to outline a strategic roadmap for the promotion and development of pickleball across the nation.
During the event, representatives shared insights on the growth of pickleball in their respective states, with plans to host over 100 events throughout the year for all age groups in both men’s and women’s categories. A new Indian Pickleball Ranking structure is set to be launched, further professionalizing the sport.
IPA is committed to revolutionizing pickleball in India by creating a structured and inclusive ecosystem that nurtures talent and fosters competitive engagement. The association is gearing up to host India’s first official National Championships under MYAS, expecting participation from over 1,000 players across individual and team formats.
In an exciting collaboration, the IPA has partnered with the Times Group to launch a flagship league featuring both Indian and international players. Additionally, a high-stakes Masters tournament will crown the top players of the season, further elevating the sport’s profile.
Beyond domestic initiatives, the IPA is actively engaging with global organizations to position India as a formidable player on the international stage. Plans are underway to host the first Official Asia Cup and pursue Olympic recognition through the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). The association is also focused on academy accreditation, technical training for coaches and referees, and integrating pickleball into the Khelo India and school networks.
Mr. Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of IPA, expressed his enthusiasm: “This recognition is a historic milestone and a call to action. Our mission is to establish a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India, focusing on talent identification and global competitiveness. We aim to make pickleball a household name and position India as a global powerhouse in the sport.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mr. Aalap Sharma, Treasurer of IPA, stated, “The landmark decision by MYAS is the beginning of a revolution in pickleball. Our goal is to make India a pickleball hub, building a strong financial foundation to support facilities, training programs, and tournament expansion.”
IPA is also planning long-term initiatives, including infrastructure development projects, coaching certification programs, and the establishment of pickleball academies in major cities. A structured league system will be introduced to facilitate the transition from amateur to professional ranks.
With strong leadership and a global vision, the Indian Pickleball Association is poised to usher in a new era for sports in India—one that champions inclusion, excellence, and opportunities for all. The recognition as an NSF will not only enhance IPA’s resources but also increase the visibility and popularity of pickleball among the Indian public.
India’s Time is Now.
