Nazneen Rahman: Pioneering Pickleball Growth in Assam

Nazneen Rahman is at the forefront of promoting pickleball in Assam, focusing on building a supportive community and increasing women's participation in sports. Her efforts have led to significant growth in the sport, with more courts and tournaments emerging. As the only Indian representative in a global leadership program, Rahman aims to leverage her experiences to foster greater opportunities for women and youth in the region. Despite challenges in infrastructure and misconceptions about coaching, her vision for pickleball's future remains optimistic, emphasizing inclusivity and community engagement.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2026, 20:29 IST

Transforming Pickleball in Assam

Nazneen Rahman embarked on her journey to promote pickleball in Assam with a focus not just on attracting players, but on establishing a supportive environment for the sport. The situation has evolved significantly, with more courts becoming available and an increase in tournament organization. Schools are also starting to adopt the sport. Rahman, who serves as the Secretary of the Assam Pickleball Association, has played a crucial role in this transformation, earning her international recognition as one of only 20 women coaches selected for the inaugural Women Who Rally Leadership Programme, a collaboration between the Professional Tennis Registry and the Professional Pickleball Registry. She stands out as the sole representative from India in this initiative, highlighting the burgeoning pickleball movement in Northeast India.

Significant Progress in Recent Months

'Significant Progress in Recent Months'

Discussing the sport's recent advancements, Rahman expressed her satisfaction with the developments over the past few months. She noted, "As a promoter of pickleball in the North-East, I am thrilled with the current progress. Initially, while people were aware of the sport, they lacked the necessary resources, such as coaching and opportunities to participate in tournaments. We have worked hard to create these opportunities, leading to remarkable growth in just six months. Regular tournaments, open play sessions, and training programs are now commonplace. As a certified coach, I am dedicated to nurturing our players, and I foresee substantial growth in the future." Despite this positive momentum, Rahman identified infrastructure as a significant barrier to the sport's potential in the region. "The primary challenge is infrastructure. Unlike metropolitan areas, we lack investors. Currently, we have no financial backers, so our efforts are entirely self-funded," she explained. Although several clubs have emerged in Assam, most are small and self-managed. "I envision larger players entering the scene to establish professionally managed facilities," she added.

Community Engagement and Grassroots Development

'Community Engagement and Grassroots Development'

To promote pickleball throughout Assam, Rahman has concentrated her efforts on grassroots initiatives, engaging schools, colleges, and local communities. "My primary focus has been on community building, achieved through outreach in schools and universities. I have conducted numerous clinics and awareness camps to introduce the game, along with mini-tournaments to encourage participation and enjoyment," she shared. Her selection for the Women Who Rally Leadership Programme has further fueled her ambition to enhance female participation in racquet sports. "I am grateful for this opportunity to represent India among 20 women leaders globally," she remarked. Rahman emphasized the importance of learning from international coaches during the program, stating, "We engage in intensive leadership training, focusing on connection and outreach on both professional and personal levels." She hopes to leverage her experiences to foster greater opportunities for women and girls in Assam, aiming to improve the current low participation rates in sports.

A Vision for the Future

'A Vision for the Future'

Rahman's coaching philosophy is deeply influenced by her background in tennis, where she has represented India internationally and worked as a certified coach. "My tennis experience has provided invaluable insights that I apply to pickleball, as all sports share a common foundation. This background has been instrumental in my coaching and training efforts," she explained. Looking ahead, Rahman envisions pickleball becoming a staple in schools across Assam and the Northeast. "I anticipate significant involvement from students of various age groups. Schools are increasingly interested, and I plan to organize inter-school competitions, as the youth represent our future," she stated.

Pickleball as a Social Game

'Pickleball as a Social Game'

Rahman also highlighted the social aspect of pickleball, noting that even retired individuals in their 70s are participating. "Pickleball serves as a social outlet, encouraging older adults to engage in physical activity and connect with others. We have seniors actively playing, which fosters a more holistic community focused on health and wellness," she remarked. Ultimately, Rahman's aspirations extend beyond accolades; she aims to create opportunities for all, ensuring that pickleball thrives and unites children, women, professionals, and seniors throughout Northeast India.