Kolkata's Emerging Pickleball Scene: A Surprising Discovery

A Surprising Experience in Kolkata

Manijeh Kargahi, a seasoned tennis player who has traveled extensively across Europe, Australia, the United States, and the Middle East, was taken aback by the vibrant pickleball community in Kolkata. After exploring around 130 countries and discovering pickleball during a visit to Colombia, she spent nearly a month in Kolkata earlier this year before returning to Europe. She was impressed by the enthusiasm and passion of the relatively young pickleball scene in the city.

A Thriving Community

Kargahi noted, "Pickleball in Kolkata has only been gaining traction for a couple of years. While I had heard that cities like Delhi and Mumbai were more advanced due to their longer history with the sport, I was pleasantly surprised by the strength of Kolkata's community. There was significant interest, numerous playing venues, and a good mix of indoor and outdoor courts. Many players were already deeply engaged with the sport, making it easy to find partners at various times of the day."

Tournament Experience

During her time in Kolkata, Kargahi participated in the Kolkata Open, where she secured a silver medal in intermediate mixed doubles. She was particularly impressed by the tournament's organization and atmosphere. "The event was exceptionally well-organized, and the transformation of the venue was remarkable. The removal of divider nets created a more connected environment, allowing spectators to engage more easily with the matches. The energy was palpable, and it felt comparable to tournaments I've experienced in Europe," she shared.

Comparing Kolkata to Established Markets

Kargahi believes that Kolkata is closer to established pickleball markets than many realize. "India is already on a more advanced path in its pickleball journey. Even in Kolkata, which has only been playing for a few years, the community feels more developed than I anticipated. There are active WhatsApp groups and organized games throughout the week, making it easy for players to connect," she explained. She noted that while Madrid has more structured clubs, Kolkata's community-driven approach is commendable.

Exceptional Hospitality

One of the standout aspects of her visit was the hospitality she experienced. "Kolkata's warmth and welcoming nature rank it among the best places I've played, surpassing even England in terms of hospitality. The community was incredibly supportive, making my month-long stay memorable," Kargahi remarked.

Room for Growth

However, Kargahi noted a gap in the presence of older players in Kolkata's pickleball scene. "While there are categories for older men, the lack of older female players limits the development of women's doubles and mixed divisions. This is an area where Kolkata can improve," she stated.

Future Prospects

Looking ahead, Kargahi is optimistic about Kolkata's pickleball future. "In three to five years, I envision more structured clubs similar to those in Madrid, along with increased opportunities for open-play sessions. Technology will also play a significant role in connecting players and organizing games," she predicted.

Kolkata's Pickleball in a Nutshell

When asked to sum up Kolkata's pickleball scene, Kargahi confidently stated, "It is an amazing and rapidly growing community with a high level of play and tremendous potential."