Indian Open 2026 Elevated to PWR 1000 Status: A New Era for Pickleball
Historic Partnership Announced
On March 16, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) revealed a significant partnership with Global Sports, marking a pivotal moment for the sport in India. This collaboration has upgraded the Indian Open 2026 to the prestigious PWR 1000 level. Scheduled from April 1-5 at CrossCourts in Hyderabad, the tournament is expected to attract over 1,500 participants competing across 56 categories, with a total prize pool of $50,000.
This will be the fourth edition of the Indian Open organized by Global Sports, which previously saw participation from 4,000 players representing 19 countries in earlier tournaments. The IPA's endorsement of the Indian Open solidifies its status as a premier event on the national pickleball calendar.
The partnership not only integrates India's largest private tournament into the national governance framework but also brings all Global Sports events under the IPA's jurisdiction. Recognized as the National Sports Federation by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports in 2025, the IPA is the sole governing body for pickleball in India.
A Milestone for Indian Sports
IPA president Suryaveersingh Bhullar expressed, "This partnership is a milestone for Indian sports. By incorporating Global Sports into the IPA framework, we ensure that every match played in the Indian Open aligns with a unified vision for the country. Our goal is to provide athletes with a world-class platform governed by the highest standards of integrity and excellence."
Shashank Khaitan, Co-Founder and Partner at Global Sports, added, "Our mission has always been to establish a strong infrastructure for pickleball. Partnering with the IPA allows us to formalize our efforts and ensure our players gain the national recognition they deserve. The transition of the Global Sports Indian Open to a PWR 1000 event is just the beginning of our journey to position India as a global hub for the sport."
Global Sports has been at the forefront of hosting pickleball tournaments with substantial prize pools and high participation rates across the nation. Events like the Monsoon Pickleball Championship and the recently held Grand Slam highlight their commitment to advancing pickleball in India. The elevation of the Global Sports Indian Open to a PWR 1000 event is a transformative step for Indian pickleball players, offering benefits such as official player pathways, standardized governance, elite competition standards, and enhanced data integrity.