AI Generated Summary
- While the Indian Olympic Association has yet to grant formal recognition, a major milestone was achieved earlier this year when the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports acknowledged the Indian Pickleball Association as the National Federation for Pickleball.
- The city’s growing pickleball community is set to showcase its talent at the North Zone Pickleball Championship, scheduled for August 23 and 24 at GRD Academy, Hambran Road.
- The game, which blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is capturing the interest of players across all ages, from schoolchildren to retirees.
Once overshadowed by the century-old dominance of lawn tennis, pickleball is now making rapid inroads into India’s sporting culture. The game, which blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is capturing the interest of players across all ages, from schoolchildren to retirees.
In states like Punjab—and particularly in Ludhiana—the sport’s growth is striking. Local clubs, schools, and communities have quickly embraced pickleball for its easy-to-learn rules, fast-paced rallies, and low physical strain compared to other racket sports. According to recent figures, India saw a staggering 159% growth in pickleball participation up to April this year. More than 50,000 people have tried the sport, with over 10,000 active players and thousands of courts sprouting nationwide.
While the Indian Olympic Association has yet to grant formal recognition, a major milestone was achieved earlier this year when the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports acknowledged the Indian Pickleball Association as the National Federation for Pickleball. This opens the door for potential inclusion in prestigious competitions like the Asian Games and even the Olympics.
Punjab Pickleball Association secretary Vikram Jeet Singh noted that India’s national team had already made waves internationally, bagging four gold and two bronze medals at last year’s Asian Pickleball Championship in Vietnam. “The enthusiasm is palpable,” Singh said. “The sport’s unique combination of accessibility, social interaction, and competitive excitement is winning over people across the country.”
Ludhiana has emerged as a hotspot for the sport’s expansion. Jaipreet Singh, founder of VJJS Pickleball Hub, reported that the city currently boasts more than a dozen courts, with over 100 expected within three months and projections topping 200 by 2026. These courts, built to international standards, will host coaching programmes, league play, and open matches for all skill levels.
The city’s growing pickleball community is set to showcase its talent at the North Zone Pickleball Championship, scheduled for August 23 and 24 at GRD Academy, Hambran Road. With investors eyeing the sector and participation surging, pickleball appears poised to become one of India’s most exciting new sporting exports.
