The Rapid Growth of Pickleball in West Bengal: A New Competitive Landscape

Pickleball's Surge in West Bengal

According to Arup Mullick, the Founder and Director of the West Bengal Pickleball Association (WBPA), the sport of pickleball has experienced remarkable growth in West Bengal, evolving from a few venues to a thriving competitive scene in a short time. "The expansion of pickleball in Kolkata has been astonishing. It truly began around 2023 with just a few venues and workshops. Since then, we have witnessed the emergence of organized tournaments, the arrival of coaches, and the opening of additional venues," Mullick shared in an exclusive interview.

Over the last two years, the state has hosted various levels of tournaments under the Pickleball World Ranking (PWR) system. "We have already introduced categories such as PWR 700, PWR 400, PWR 200, and PWR 100. We are optimistic about hosting PWR 1000 and even PWR 2000 events in the future," he added.

Events like the Kolkata Open have significantly contributed to this development. With participants traveling from various parts of the country, Mullick believes these tournaments are essential for both visibility and growth. "Players from Mumbai, Delhi, Nagaland, and other states are joining us. Competing with them fosters our community's growth and professionalism," he stated. "For pickleball to aspire to Olympic status, regular tournaments like these are crucial."

The WBPA is actively collaborating with venue partners and organizers to enhance the sport's ecosystem. "We are working with venues, organizers, and enthusiasts eager to promote the sport. Our goal is to create opportunities and establish a structured system," Mullick explained, highlighting plans for more tournaments across various locations.

As participation increases, the competitive standard is also improving. "The level of competition is definitely on the rise. More players from Bengal are making their mark at the national level, which is a significant advancement for the sport here," he noted.

Women have emerged as a vital force in the state's pickleball development. "Women are a tremendous asset. They are excelling nationally," he remarked. "We have players transitioning from strong tennis backgrounds into pickleball, which is elevating the competition level."

The sport's growth is not confined to Kolkata. "We are witnessing pickleball's expansion beyond Kolkata. Siliguri in North Bengal is gaining traction, and there is potential in areas like Darjeeling, which already has a robust tennis culture," he mentioned. "Activity is also increasing in Howrah, Serampore, Chinsurah, and Shivpur."

Grassroots development is a key focus for the association, particularly through schools. "Pickleball is being introduced in some schools, and we aim to expand this initiative further," Mullick stated, emphasizing that educational institutions could play a crucial role in attracting younger players.

At the national level, West Bengal has begun to see positive results. "We have achieved success in national competitions, including medals in team events and strong performances across various categories," he said. "We have strong contingents in women's, 40+, and junior categories."

Exposure to players from other states has been vital for improving standards. "You cannot progress if you only compete within your own group. Facing players from different states exposes you to diverse styles, techniques, and athletic skills," he explained.

Looking ahead, infrastructure remains a critical need for further advancement. "We aspire to host larger tournaments like PWR 700 and PWR 1000 events, but that necessitates bigger venues," Mullick noted. "These tournaments require at least eight to fourteen courts, making infrastructure essential."

Mullick, who is also competing in multiple categories at the Kolkata Open, acknowledged the physical challenges of tournament play. "It’s incredibly demanding. Competing in multiple categories takes a toll physically. At this point, it’s about managing energy and persevering," he said.

With rising participation, new venues emerging, and players gaining national recognition, Mullick believes West Bengal is on a promising trajectory in the sport. He suggested that the next phase will depend on enhancing infrastructure and maintaining a consistent tournament schedule.