DUPR Introduces Wheelchair Pickleball Rating for Enhanced Inclusivity

The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) is set to launch a wheelchair pickleball rating on March 4, aiming to enhance inclusivity in the sport. This new initiative will integrate adaptive athletes into the same rating system used by professional and amateur players worldwide. By collaborating with wheelchair athletes and tournament organizers, DUPR seeks to ensure fair matchups and accurate player progression tracking. This move is part of a broader effort to make competitive pickleball accessible to all abilities, reflecting the growing visibility of adaptive sports globally. The introduction of this rating system marks a significant step towards maintaining competitive balance and transparency in tournaments.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 5, 2026, 16:18 IST

New Initiative for Wheelchair Athletes

The Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating (DUPR) has unveiled a new wheelchair pickleball rating system, set to launch on March 4. This initiative aims to foster inclusivity and fairness within the sport by integrating adaptive athletes into the same rating framework utilized by both professional and amateur players globally. In a recent social media announcement, DUPR expressed enthusiasm about this development, stating, "We’re excited to announce the development of a dedicated wheelchair pickleball rating system, bringing adaptive athletes into the same global rating ecosystem that powers competitive pickleball worldwide."

The initiative has been built in collaboration with wheelchair athletes and the US Open Pickleball Championships. By engaging directly with athletes and tournament organizers, DUPR seeks to ensure that the rating system accurately represents the competitive level and progress of wheelchair players. DUPR further noted, "This initiative will help create fairer matchups, more accurate seeding, and better tracking of player progression."

The introduction of a wheelchair rating signifies a significant advancement in the sport’s ongoing efforts to make competitive pickleball accessible to all players. As adaptive sports gain more recognition worldwide, structured ranking systems are increasingly seen as vital for maintaining competitive integrity and transparency in tournaments.

Currently, DUPR offers four types of rankings: for professional players, continental rankings, club rankings, and college rankings. The inclusion of wheelchair ratings will broaden the system's reach, allowing adaptive athletes to monitor their performance within a recognized global framework. Established in 2021 by Steve Kuhn, the founder of Major League Pickleball, DUPR was designed to provide a universal, data-driven rating system for all players. It has since become the standard for leagues, professional tours, and tournaments, solidifying its position as a global rating system for the rapidly expanding sport.

In September 2023, DUPR was designated as the official ranking platform for significant events such as the Asia Pickleball Games, as well as for leagues like Major League Pickleball and the PPA Tour. Furthermore, in December 2025, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), which governs pickleball in India, announced a partnership with DUPR, effective for 2026 IPA-sanctioned tournaments.

DUPR CEO Tito Machado described the collaboration as a pivotal moment for the sport in the region. He stated, "This partnership is a major milestone for the sport in Asia. IPA's decision to adopt DUPR shows a strong commitment to fairness, transparency, and player growth." IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that working with DUPR elevates the competitive level of events and provides players with reliable ratings. He added, "As pickleball grows across the country, one consistent rating system ensures every match counts."