Pickleball’s Growth in India: Pickleball, a sport born in a Washington backyard, is rapidly growing worldwide. The game combines elements of tennis and table tennis, attracting millions of players. In India, the sport has seen a 159% increase in participation from 2019 to 2022, signaling its expanding popularity.
The Origin of Pickleball
In the mid-1960s, Joel Pritchard created pickleball to entertain his family. With limited sports equipment, Pritchard and his friends improvised, using a badminton court. The sport’s name origin remains unclear, but pickleball has become a global sensation since its inception.
In the past five years, pickleball has grown at an astonishing rate. It has been recognized as the fastest-growing sport in the United States for four consecutive years, with nearly 50 million active players. The sport’s ease of play and minimal infrastructure needs have contributed to its explosive growth, leading to a surge in interest, particularly in India.
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Pickleball’s Rise in India
India experienced a significant increase in pickleball participation, with a reported 159% spike in player numbers from 2019 to 2022. While estimates for 2022 to 2025 vary, it’s clear that more people are choosing to play pickleball in India.
Gaurav Natekar, founder of the World Pickleball League, noted the sport’s accessibility as a key factor in its appeal.
“I got the sense that this sport was going to be big because of how accessible it is and how you can get people from different generations to play against each other,” -(Gaurav Natekar)
Growing Professional Scene
Currently, India has over 100,000 recreational players and nearly 500 professionals. The All India Pickleball Association aims to gain recognition as a National Sports Federation, following the successful hosting of the World Championship in October 2024. Natekar’s transition from tennis to pickleball reflects the increasing number of tennis players gravitating toward the sport.
Pickleball’s popularity is further evidenced by its inclusion in major tennis events, such as the Australian Open and Miami Open. Tennis legend Andre Agassi believes the sport has a bright future, potentially making it to the Olympics.
“Pickleball is not like tennis, where you have to learn the fundamentals,”.
“You start getting better and getting challenged.”-(Andre Agassi)
A Bright Future Ahead
As pickleball continues to grow in India and worldwide, it represents a unique blend of fun and competition. The sport’s emphasis on accessibility, community engagement, and cross-generational play suggests it will maintain its momentum. With more organized events and increasing recognition, pickleball’s future looks promising.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Growth in India
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity, especially in India, where participation has surged significantly. The sport’s accessible nature and the enthusiasm from players and organizers suggest a bright future, potentially positioning it as a key player in the global sports landscape.
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