Arvind Prabhoo’s Remarkable Journey: Arvind Prabhoo, chairman of the All India Pickleball Association, turned tragedy into triumph after a car accident in 1987 left him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite this life-altering event, Prabhoo’s mental strength has propelled him to lead initiatives in sports, especially in the rapidly growing game of pickleball.
In 1987, Prabhoo was a final-year student at MS Ramaiah Medical College in Bengaluru, aspiring to become a doctor like his father, former Mumbai mayor Dr. Ramesh Prabhoo. He was also an active competitor in badminton and table tennis. However, on New Year’s Eve, he faced a life-changing moment. While driving a friend’s car, he lost control, resulting in a severe spinal cord injury.
Overcoming Adversity
Prabhoo reflects on that fateful night, acknowledging that drinks were consumed, but he was still in control until the crash.
“No one died. My friends weren’t hurt much. Every December 31, I cut a cake. That was the day I got a second shot at life,” (Arvind Prabhoo).
With support from family and friends, Prabhoo underwent rehabilitation in Boston. This experience helped him feel accepted and included, contrasting with the pity often shown by people in India.
“In Boston, I was accepted the way I was,” (Arvind Prabhoo).
After returning to India, Prabhoo initially tried to finish medical school but realized that becoming a doctor was unrealistic. He then ventured into the cable business, inspired by the many channels he had experienced in the US. Eventually, he focused on sports management, particularly at Mumbai’s Prabodhankar Thackeray Krida Sankul.
Discovering Pickleball
Prabhoo discovered pickleball in 2017 and recognized its potential for accessibility across different age groups and genders. Since then, the sport has expanded significantly. Today, an estimated 70,000 Indians play pickleball, with 10,000 participating at a professional level. The upcoming World Pickleball League (WPL) has attracted $10 million in investments over the next three to five years. Additionally, major brands like ITC’s Bingo Chips have signed lucrative deals with the All India Pickleball Association.
Prabhoo notes the significance of the “wow factor” surrounding pickleball and emphasizes that it provides opportunities for coaches and players from smaller towns to earn a decent living.
Finding Opportunities in Adversity
Prabhoo’s journey serves as an inspiring example of resilience. He advises,
“The accident paralysed me but I still had my brain, my oratory and leadership skills. You just have to look for the opportunity in the adversity.”(Arvind Prabhoo)
When life threw Arvind Prabhoo into a pickle, he found pickleball, turning his challenges into achievements and opening doors for many others in the sport.
News in Brief: Arvind Prabhoo’s Remarkable Journey
Arvind Prabhoo, chairman of the All India Pickleball Association, transformed his life after a 1987 car accident left him paralyzed. Overcoming adversity, he shifted from aspiring doctor to sports management, discovering pickleball in 2017. With 70,000 players in India, including 10,000 at a professional level, Prabhoo’s leadership is fueling the sport’s growth, highlighting resilience and opportunity amidst challenges.
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