Pickleball’s Rapid Growth in India: Pickleball is rapidly rising in India, with over 50,000 players, 1,000 courts, and multiple major leagues emerging as the sport continues to gain momentum. Following the global surge in popularity post-COVID-19, the sport is being embraced across the country, supported by infrastructure development, affordable equipment, and celebrity endorsements.
Leagues and Major Tournaments
India is now home to its first franchise-based pickleball league, the World Pickleball League (WPBL), set to take place from January 24 to February 2, 2025, at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.
The event will feature city-based teams owned by prominent personalities, including Bollywood stars and athletes. WPBL’s success has attracted major brands such as Volvo, Swiggy, and PNG Jewellers, helping to raise the profile of the sport.
The Indian Open 2025 will follow shortly after, from February 3–9, 2025, also in Mumbai. The tournament will feature international and Indian players across a Pro League and Challenger League. The event has already generated significant attention, with Bollywood director Shashank Khaitan and celebrity Karan Johar endorsing it.
Pickleball in India: A Growing Phenomenon
Pickleball is an accessible and easy-to-learn sport that has quickly gained traction in India. Its low-cost equipment, straightforward rules, and the familiarity of racquet sports make it an attractive choice for players of all ages. Equipment costs have fallen from Rs 10,000 to Rs 2,000–3,000 due to local manufacturing, further increasing its appeal.
Dedicated pickleball courts are being built across the country. In Mumbai alone, there are over 300–400 courts, with many more in schools and residential societies. Cities like Ahmedabad, Pune, and Hyderabad are also witnessing growth in court numbers.
Celebrity Influence and Infrastructure Growth
The sport’s growing popularity is largely attributed to Bollywood’s influence, which has helped pickleball become a pop culture sensation in India. Celebrities have not only been playing the sport but also investing in leagues and promoting its accessibility.
Commercial leagues, like the WPBL and Indian Open 2025, are crucial to the sport’s continued growth. Hemal Jain, founder of Global Sports Pickleball, emphasizes the importance of viewership and infrastructure development in smaller cities like Jalgaon, where the sport is gaining new followers.
“Currently, only a small fraction of Indians know about pickleball. We’re promoting the sport across India, building infrastructure in cities like Gurgaon, Ahmedabad, Surat, and even smaller towns like Jalgaon.” – (Hemal Jain)
Future of Pickleball in India
With increasing interest from players, brands, and the media, the future of pickleball in India looks bright.
As more players join, more courts are built, and as commercial leagues attract sponsorships, pickleball is expected to become a fixture of India’s sporting landscape.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Rapid Growth in India
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with over 50,000 players and 1,000 courts by 2025. Major leagues like the World Pickleball League and Indian Open 2025 are fueling the growth. The sport’s popularity is boosted by Bollywood celebrities, affordable equipment, and infrastructure development across the country.
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