The Rise of Pickleball in India: A Community-Driven Success Story
The Evolution of Pickleball in India
Over the last ten years, pickleball has seen significant growth in India. According to Manish Rao, Director of Franklin Pickleball India, the sport reached a pivotal moment last year when it gained official recognition from the government. In an interview with a sports outlet, Rao reminisced about the sport's journey since its inception in India, noting that few could have predicted such rapid advancement when pickleball was first introduced. He remarked, 'If someone had told me in 2013 that we could establish a sport in India beyond cricket, I probably wouldn't have believed it.' Starting in 2013, the sport has made remarkable strides by 2026, and Rao expressed pride in its growth alongside cricket.
Rao attributed the sport's success to India's community-oriented culture, stating, 'Pickleball is a community sport, and India has embraced it wholeheartedly. Every player seems to know each other.' He emphasized that the bond between the sport and its community is what sets Indian pickleball apart.
Ahmedabad has emerged as the leading city for pickleball in India, with Rao noting, 'You might be surprised, but Ahmedabad has become the fastest-growing pickleball city in the country. It boasts over 500 courts and nearly 5,000 recreational players, making it a standout location.'
Looking forward, Rao anticipates that 2025 will be a landmark year for pickleball. He highlighted that the recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association by the government was a significant turning point, stating, 'This acknowledgment has opened up opportunities for players aspiring to compete on an international level and has bolstered India's long-term Olympic aspirations.'
Rao is hopeful that pickleball will eventually be included in the Olympic Games, expressing, 'By 2036, I believe we will see pickleball featured at the Olympics. The journey towards that goal began with the government's recognition of our association.' He concluded by reiterating the importance of this milestone, stating, 'I firmly believe that government recognition will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the development of pickleball in India.'
About the Indian Pickleball Association: The Indian Pickleball Association serves as the official governing body for the sport in India, focusing on its promotion, development, and organization nationwide. The association aims to inspire players of all ages and skill levels through events like the IPA Nationals. It 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 that encompasses all age groups, skill levels, and formats, including singles, doubles, and mixed categories. It acts as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India. With numerous sanctioned events occurring weekly across the country, PWR identifies the top Indian players at various levels and lays the groundwork for team selection at school, district, state, and national levels.
Stay updated with the latest pickleball news, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, tips, and inspiration. Join the community for everything related to pickleball by following us on Instagram @pickleballnow.in!