Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, particularly in Punjab and Ludhiana, where local clubs, schools, and communities have embraced the sport for its easy-to-learn rules and low physical strain. India has seen a 159% increase in pickleball participation, with over 10,000 active players and thousands of courts nationwide. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has officially recognized the Indian Pickleball Association as the National Federation, paving the way for potential inclusion in major international competitions like the Asian Games and Olympics.
Ludhiana is emerging as a key hub, with plans to expand from a dozen courts to over 200 by 2026, supporting coaching programs and league play. The city will host the North Zone Pickleball Championship in August, highlighting the sport’s growing community and competitive spirit. India’s national team has already achieved international success, winning multiple medals at the Asian Pickleball Championship, signaling a promising future for pickleball as a popular and competitive sport in the country.