The inaugural Tamil Nadu Pickleball Premier League (TNPPL) has introduced Chennai to one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, the event features 16 teams, 160 players, and a growing crowd eager to embrace the game. What was once a little-known sport in the city has now become a major attraction.
Pickleball Gains Momentum in Chennai
Spectators at the stadium include serious athletes, casual players, and those curious about the sport. College students debate paddle brands, influencers admire the aesthetic appeal, and newcomers appreciate the accessibility of pickleball. Renita P, a content strategist, highlights the sport’s inclusivity, saying,
“I’ve never even played badminton, but I’ve been following pickleball on Instagram, and I love the vibe. It’s like tennis but… more inclusive?” – (Renita P)
Beyond the casual enthusiasts, dedicated players bring high energy to the matches. Likith P, a former tennis player turned pickleball devotee, enjoys the sport’s social aspect.
“I was a tennis player first, but I switched because this sport is way more social. You can just show up, find a game, and by the end of the night, you have a whole new friend group.” – (Likith P)
Matches are intense, with teams like Cheeky Cheetahs and Salem Slammers putting on thrilling performances. Fans cheer loudly, and players celebrate with dramatic paddle drops, proving that this is more than just a weekend hobby—it’s a growing passion.
Competitive Edge and Future Growth
For some, pickleball is more than a pastime; it’s a serious sport. Rajath Kamal, owner of the Chennai Super Dinkers, has built a competitive team, including players with a background in table tennis.
“I come from a table tennis background. At first, I was just dealing in pickleball equipment. But after I started playing, I fell in love with it. I wanted to be involved.” – (Rajath Kamal)
Vasudevan Kothandaraman, now competing at the national level, picked up the game only two years ago.
“This game is easy to pick up, play and fall in love with! It combines the best of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, and also provides a very high degree of social interaction and exchange in its community between and amongst its most passionate ‘picklers’.” – (Vasudevan Kothandaraman)
Similarly, Sasha Bartley, a former badminton player, was hooked within six months.
“It’s fast, fun, and really easy to get into.” – (Sasha Bartley)
The Tamil Nadu Pickleball Association (TNPA) sees great potential for growth. General secretary K Mohit Kumar explains,
“The launch of the league is to leverage the growing interest in pickleball in India. By organising a premier league, the TNPA can attract more players, sponsors, and fans, ultimately contributing to the sport’s growth in the state.” – (K Mohit Kumar)
Auction Surprises and Pickleball’s Growing Appeal
The TNPPL auction saw unexpected turns. While star player Venkatesh N went for his base price, 50+ category player Nirmal Kumar became the most expensive bid, joining Tirchi Thumbis.
“We knew there would be surprises, but this one definitely caught everyone off guard.” – (K Mohit Kumar)
Beyond competition, pickleball is evolving into a lifestyle trend. Designer paddles and stylish sportswear are in demand.
“It’s like the ‘tennis aesthetic’ without the gatekeeping. I feel like in a year, every influencer in Chennai is going to have a pickleball moment.” – (spectator)
For some, it’s a chance to embrace the tennis-core aesthetic. For others, like Pramila Santhosh, who initially came to watch her husband play, it’s about the excitement of the game. “I had no idea people took this so seriously,” she says, as her daughter cheers every time the ball crosses the net.
“My daughter doesn’t know what’s happening, but she claps every time the ball goes over the net, so I think she’s a fan.” – (Pramila Santhosh)
Pickleball’s rise is attributed to its accessibility. Coach Jayesh Purandar explains,
“Pickleball is rising because it’s accessible. You don’t need expensive coaching or years of experience — you just need a paddle, a ball, and a few hours before you’re completely obsessed.” – (Jayesh Purandar)
With the TNPPL’s massive success, the sport is set for further growth. Whether players join for competition, socializing, or style, it’s clear that pickleball is here to stay.
News in Brief: Tamil Nadu Pickleball Premier League
The Tamil Nadu Pickleball Premier League debuted at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, featuring 16 teams and 160 players. Enthusiasts, athletes, and influencers embraced the sport, while competitive teams battled for victory. With its growing popularity, expert endorsements, and stylish appeal, pickleball is rapidly becoming Chennai’s newest sporting sensation.
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