The Rise of Pickleball in India: From Viral Jokes to Serious Game Changer
Title: Pickleball’s Rise in India: More Than Just a Passing Trend
In a recent trailer for Chelsea Handler’s upcoming Netflix show, the comedian humorously poked fun at the growing popularity of pickleball, calling it everything but exercise. Despite the jokes, pickleball’s rise in India shows no signs of slowing down.
According to the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), India now boasts approximately 8,000 registered pickleball players, with an estimated 35,000 amateur players. The sport is expected to reach one million players in the next five years, with around 1,500 courts already set up across the country.
The universal appeal of pickleball lies in its simplicity and inclusivity, making it a sport for all ages and fitness levels. Hemal Jain, founder of Global Sports Pickleball, highlights the community aspect of the sport, where families can play together on the same court.
Maitri Boda, co-founder of Squat Up, emphasizes the fun and challenging nature of pickleball, which provides a great workout while being a low-impact sport. Pranav Kohli, CEO of Pickleball World Rankings, shares his personal weight loss journey through playing pickleball and advocates for its inclusive nature.
Despite the jokes surrounding pickleball, its popularity in India continues to grow rapidly. Pranav Kohli notes the significant increase in the number of courts in the country, with corporate sponsors and media attention fueling the sport’s expansion beyond major cities.
While pickleball faces challenges such as awareness, infrastructure, and equipment costs, grassroots initiatives are helping to lay the foundation for its future growth. With corporate involvement on the rise and more investment in pickleball leagues, the future looks bright for the sport in India.
As pickleball continues to gain momentum, it is proving to be inclusive, accessible, and fun for all. Whether you’re looking to get fit, make new friends, or simply have a blast, pickleball is here to stay in India.
