Pickleball Taking India by Storm: In a country known for its passion for cricket and an array of other sports, a new contender is making waves: Pickleball. This dynamic game, a blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, is rapidly gaining traction across India. What sets it apart? Its low cost, minimal space requirements, and inclusive nature. Pickleball has emerged as an engaging option for pickleball players of all ages and abilities, emphasizing social interaction and pickleball community over competition.
The statistics tell a compelling story. According to data from Hudle, a prominent sports platform in India, the pickleball movement is nothing short of remarkable. In just 18 months, the number of players has surged past 50,000, and the nation now boasts nearly 500 pickleball courts dedicated to the sport.
“When we look at our data on our platform, we feel that it’s going to become a household activity over the next five years. It will not be an elite or an urban sport only. We’re seeing people play Pickleball not just in big cities but also in smaller towns.” – (Suhail Narain, founder and CEO of Hudle)
Breaking Barriers
Unlike many traditional sports that cater primarily to urban elites, pickleball is breaking barriers and reaching a diverse audience. While major metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore are at the forefront of this trend, smaller cities like Jaipur, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Ambala are also joining the sport. The sport’s accessibility is driving its appeal in tier-two, tier-three, and even tier-four towns, marking a grassroots-level success.
The figures shared by Hudle show the explosive growth of pickleball in India. The first pickleball court was launched just 18 months ago, in April 2023. Today, nearly 500 pickleball courts exist across the country, with Hudle overseeing about 474 to 480 of them. Over 50,000 players have taken to the courts at least once during this short time, highlighting pickleball’s rapid expansion.
“From a recreational level, it may become even bigger because it’s easier to play and participate regularly.” – (Narain)
Pickleball Hotspots Across India
Several key cities have emerged as hotspots for pickleball in India.
- Mumbai: Leading the way with 120 courts, this bustling metropolis has established itself as a major hub for the sport.
- Delhi NCR: The National Capital Region follows closely with 80 courts, catering to its enthusiastic player base.
- Ahmedabad: Witnessing a remarkable surge in popularity, Ahmedabad now boasts 50 courts.
- Bangalore, Vadodara, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Chennai: Each of these cities is home to a growing number of courts, ranging from 20 to 40.
Furthermore, tier-two cities like Surat, Pune, Bhopal, Indore, Ambala, and Chandigarh are also embracing the sport, each with 5 to 10 courts available for eager players.
What’s Next?
As pickleball’s popularity continues to rise, it reflects a shift in the preferences of sports enthusiasts in India. With diverse backgrounds taking up paddles, the potential for Pickleball to foster community spirit is immense.
“Like gully cricket, we may see Pickleball being played in every nook and corner. Because all we need is a flat concrete surface.” – (Narain)
Currently, the pickleball sport is most popular in the Western half of India—specifically in the states of Gujarat and Maharashtra, where it has the highest concentration of pickleball courts and players.
“Because new courts are coming up across the country month-on-month, we are adding 40 to 50 new courts every month. So it is only a matter of time before you find this sport being played throughout the country.” – (Narain)
Trailblazers like Times Group and Bennett University are at the forefront of spreading pickleball enthusiasm in India. With the sport’s tremendous global growth, Bennett University has taken the lead among educational institutions by establishing the highest number of pickleball courts—ten—setting a standard for others to follow.
News in Brief: Pickleball Taking India by Storm
Pickleball is experiencing a remarkable surge in popularity across India, with over 50,000 players and nearly 500 courts established in just 18 months, according to Hudle. The sport is breaking barriers, reaching not only major cities like Mumbai and Delhi but also smaller towns, making it accessible to all.
Suhail Narain, CEO of Hudle, predicts that pickleball will become a household activity in the coming years. As new courts continue to emerge, the grassroots movement is set to unite communities and create a vibrant pickleball culture throughout the nation.
