Uttar Pradesh's PickleSpin Tournament Highlights Growing Popularity of Pickleball

The recent PickleSpin tournament in Kanpur, organized by the Indian Pickleball Association, showcased the sport's increasing popularity among youth. Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Satish Mahana praised the event for its role in youth development and community engagement. With 70 players competing across various categories, the tournament provided a platform for emerging talent. Mahana emphasized the importance of recognizing young athletes and integrating their talents for the city's development. The event reflects a growing interest in pickleball, marking a significant step for the sport in India.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 2, 2026, 18:23 IST

Uttar Pradesh Assembly Speaker Praises Pickleball Growth

Satish Mahana, the Speaker of the Uttar Pradesh Assembly, remarked on the increasing interest in the PickleSpin tournament, which showcases the surging popularity of pickleball in Kanpur. He noted its significance in fostering youth development, stating, “This game is drawing a significant number of children.” Mahana expressed his pleasure at the turnout, mentioning, “It was heartening to see many participants from both Kanpur and outside the city.” He appreciated the enthusiasm surrounding the introduction of this new sport.

He emphasized that development extends beyond mere infrastructure, asserting, “The progress of Kanpur is not solely about roads; it also involves the achievements of our youth.” Mahana highlighted the necessity of recognizing young talent, stating, “The advancement of Kanpur is tied to acknowledging the skills of our youth nationwide. True development occurs when talents from various fields are integrated.” He concluded by thanking all participants and organizers for their contributions.

The PickleSpin PWR 50 Cup, sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), took place in Kanpur from February 27 to March 1, featuring three days of intense pickleball competition. The event attracted 70 players competing in five categories, offering a platform for emerging talent in the region.

About the Indian Pickleball Association: The IPA serves as the official governing body for pickleball in India, committed to promoting and organizing the sport nationwide. It aims to inspire players of all ages and skill levels through events like the IPA Nationals and is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF).

About Pickleball World Ranking: The PWR is a national ranking system encompassing all age groups and skill levels, including singles, doubles, and mixed formats. It acts as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India, with numerous sanctioned events occurring weekly across the country, helping to identify top players at various levels and forming the basis for team selections at school, district, state, and national levels.

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