The Rise of Pickleball and Padel in Delhi: A New Sports Revolution

In the heart of Delhi, a sports revolution is underway as pickleball and padel courts proliferate, attracting players from diverse age groups. With over 250 pickleball courts in the region and a growing community, these sports are reshaping the urban landscape. Industry experts predict significant growth, with Delhi poised to become a leading hub for these activities. As traditional sports adapt, the rise of pickleball and padel signifies a shift in how urban India engages with fitness and recreation. This article delves into the dynamics of this emerging trend and its implications for the future of sports in the capital.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 26, 2026, 19:42 IST

Emerging Sports Scene in Delhi

New Delhi: Amid the sweltering summer heat of Delhi, a significant transformation is taking place—not on the traditional cricket fields or badminton courts, but on the newly established pickleball and padel courts that are rapidly appearing throughout the city. Players are braving the high temperatures to engage in these sports, which have transitioned from being niche activities to mainstream favorites in urban India, thanks to their accessibility and community-oriented nature. While Mumbai is currently the hub for pickleball, and Ahmedabad is making notable progress, Delhi NCR is quickly catching up, showcasing immense potential.

“Currently, there are over 250 pickleball courts in Delhi NCR,” stated Suhail Narain, the Founder and CEO of Hudle, a tech platform that connects players with sports facilities. “We are adding 30 to 40 new courts each month, which translates to more than one new court daily.”

Delhi's Rapid Growth

Suhail noted that while Mumbai and Ahmedabad lead in the total number of courts and player engagement, Delhi NCR is on track to surpass Ahmedabad, driven by an influx of young professionals, families, and corporate groups embracing the sport. Presently, 60% of the pickleball courts in the region are dedicated facilities, with the remaining 40% serving multiple purposes. The sport's popularity is so pronounced that basketball courts in schools are being converted into pickleball courts, allowing for dual usage.

“The beauty of pickleball lies in its ability to unite players of all ages,” Suhail remarked. “From those in their 20s to individuals in their 60s, people from diverse backgrounds are enjoying the game together. Unlike badminton, where skill and fitness disparities can hinder mixed-age play, pickleball serves as a great equalizer.”

“While it has gained traction among young professionals aged 20 to 30, we are also witnessing consistent participation from older players in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. For many, it has even replaced their morning walks,” he added. Across India, Hudle currently lists over 1,500 pickleball and padel courts, with Delhi and Bengaluru emerging as key growth centers.

Pickleball vs. Padel

As both sports gain popularity, a natural question arises: which sport is leading the charge? “Pickleball currently has a larger player base and more courts compared to padel,” Suhail explained. “Padel is a more technical sport that requires a greater investment. However, due to the limited number of padel courts and their higher setup costs, they often experience better occupancy rates. Typically, for every 10 pickleball courts, there are about 2 padel courts. On average, pickleball players engage in about five games a month, while padel players tend to play around seven times monthly. Our data indicates that dedicated pickleball enthusiasts often play 15 to 16 times a month.”

Despite the technical demands and infrastructure requirements of padel, the sport is steadily establishing its presence in Delhi, where 25 to 30 commercial padel courts exist, compared to 65 to 75 in Mumbai. Anant Jangwal, the Founder and CEO of Play Padel, predicts that by 2028, India could see as many as 1,000 padel courts. For pickleball, he estimates around 150 commercial courts in both Mumbai and Delhi NCR, with a potential total of 2,500 courts nationwide by 2028.

Economic Impact of Pickleball

Currently, pickleball remains ahead in terms of growth and market creation. “Delhi is one of the most expensive markets for sports. Renting a pickleball court costs between Rs 700 to Rs 1,200 per hour, with premium venues charging up to Rs 1,500. Padel courts, which require larger spaces, charge between Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per hour,” Suhail disclosed. Alpesh Patel, City Leader at Decathlon Sports India, echoed this sentiment, noting that both sports are experiencing remarkable growth in the Delhi NCR region, driven by strong community engagement and demand from youth and families.

Despite the rapid rise of these new sports, traditional sports like badminton are not being overshadowed. “Our badminton participation numbers are impressive. While it may not be growing as quickly as pickleball, it remains steady. Badminton is played by a niche group with specific skills, whereas pickleball is attracting newcomers to the sporting world,” Suhail explained.

Sustainability of the Trend

However, as with any emerging trend, skepticism exists. Is this merely a fleeting urban phenomenon? Industry experts believe otherwise. “Pickleball is not just a digital trend; it offers a tangible experience. Once you start playing, you fall in love with it,” Suhail asserted. He is confident that pickleball will soon become as ingrained in Indian culture as cricket, with players filling streets and neighborhoods.

“We are closely monitoring the growth. The number of participants is increasing every month. In fact, pickleball will evolve into a sport that children play in their neighborhoods, similar to cricket. In a few years, it will become an integral part of our lives,” Suhail predicted. As more courts fill up and new players join, Delhi is witnessing a quiet yet significant sports revolution.