Pickleball's Rise in India: Avinash Kumar Shines at Picklebay India Tour
The Emergence of Pickleball in India
New Delhi, [India] June 10: The popularity of pickleball is soaring in India, with Picklebay establishing itself as a key platform for players nationwide to compete and gain recognition, as highlighted by a recent announcement from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA).
One of the standout players in the Picklebay India Tour is 24-year-old Avinash Kumar, who holds the No. 8 position in India and ranks 24th in Asia for men's singles according to the DUPR rankings.
Avinash recently secured a silver medal in the Men's Open Singles at the Mumbai leg of the Picklebay India Tour, expressing that this tournament series is setting a new standard for the sport in the country.
"Picklebay is an excellent platform, particularly for emerging talents. It allows us to compete in various states and provides young athletes with the visibility they require. The professionalism and format here promise significant growth for the tournament in the future," stated Avinash Kumar.
Originating from Patna, Bihar, Avinash's athletic journey began with cricket, but he discovered pickleball through a newspaper article about eight years ago. "I searched online, reached out to Ranjan Gupta, the Secretary of the Bihar Pickleball Association, who introduced me to the sport, and that was the start of my journey," he reminisced.
What began in a small local academy has transformed into a dedicated sporting career, with the AIPA now supporting him as a sponsored athlete.
Avinash maintains a demanding training regimen of approximately 5-6 hours daily and has represented India in several international competitions. He remarked on the advancements in Indian sports infrastructure, saying, "India has made significant strides in facilities. Courts are becoming more accessible, particularly with initiatives like Picklebay. The competitive level is also steadily improving."
He believes pickleball is one of the most inclusive sports available today. "Pickleball is unique as it merges elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It can be enjoyed by anyone aged 8 to 80. It's affordable, easy to learn, and with more courts being established in communities, its growth is organic," he added.
Avinash also encouraged the younger generation, stating, "Aspiring players should seriously consider pickleball as a viable professional sport. The opportunities for growth are tangible. If you dedicate yourself and excel, recognition will follow—not just in India, but on an international scale as well."
As the Picklebay India Tour progresses, athletes like Avinash are demonstrating the significant impact this tournament series can have on the future of pickleball in India.