India’s Pickleball Revolution: Pickleball is rapidly growing in India, despite jokes from comedians like Chelsea Handler and Vir Das. With about 8,000 registered players and an estimated 35,000 amateur enthusiasts, the sport is expected to hit one million players in five years. Corporate investments and new leagues are fueling its expansion.
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Why Pickleball Appeals to Everyone
Pickleball’s simplicity and accessibility make it a sport for all ages. Hemal Jain, founder of Global Sports Pickleball, highlights its inclusive nature:
“The beauty of pickleball lies in its simplicity and inclusivity. It’s a sport that anyone can pick up. I’ve seen families—grandparents, parents, kids—all playing on the same court. That kind of community is rare in many sports.” – (Hemal Jain)
His company has expanded its footprint in Mumbai and Goa. Maitri Boda, co-founder of Squat Up, points to its mix of ease and challenge.
“It’s easy to learn, but hard to master. That makes it both fun and challenging. Plus, it’s a low-impact sport that still gives you a great workout. It strikes the perfect balance between fitness and socialising, which is why people of all ages are jumping on the pickleball bandwagon.” – (Maitri Boda)
For Pranav Kohli, CEO of Pickleball World Rankings, the game is life-changing.
“It’s a sport for everyone — from 8-year-olds to 80-year-olds, there’s a place for you on the court. It’s approachable, non-intimidating, and fosters a fantastic community experience.” – (Pranav Kohli)
Kohli, who lost 26 kg playing pickleball, is leading efforts to unify ranking systems and launch the $1.5 million PWR World Series in March 2025.
Rapid Expansion Across India
Despite initial skepticism, pickleball is proving to be more than a trend.
“In the past two years, the number of courts in India has skyrocketed from just 30 to over 1,500. That’s a massive leap. And it’s only going to get bigger as corporate sponsors and media buzz surround the sport. India is fast becoming a pickleball hub, and we’re just getting started.” – (Pranav Kohli)
The sport is now expanding into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, thanks to its adaptability to smaller spaces.
“The growth isn’t just in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai. The sport is expanding rapidly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities too. Pickleball’s ability to thrive in smaller spaces makes it a great fit for urban environments. With its low infrastructure costs, it’s easier to set up courts in places where space is limited.” – (Maitri Boda)
Bollywood celebrities like Sharvari Wagh, Alia Bhatt, Mandira Bedi, and Shilpa Shetty have further boosted its popularity. The increasing media coverage and corporate sponsorships are solidifying pickleball’s place in India’s sports landscape.
Challenges Hindering Growth
Pickleball still faces hurdles in India. Jain acknowledges a perception issue.
“Awareness is still a challenge. Many people see pickleball as a recreational sport, but it’s quickly becoming a serious competitive game. Changing this perception through professional leagues and grassroots programs will be key to its long-term success.” – (Hemal Jain)
Shifting this mindset through leagues and grassroots programs is crucial. Boda highlights infrastructure limitations.
“In many areas, there simply aren’t enough dedicated pickleball courts to meet the growing demand. We’re seeing a lot of people adapt tennis and badminton courts for pickleball, but having more professional facilities will push the sport to the next level.” – (Maitri Boda)
Kohli identifies equipment costs as another barrier.
“The cost of equipment, especially rackets, can still be a barrier. Right now, a pickleball racket is priced around INR 999, while a badminton racket is much cheaper. We’re working on bringing prices down with local manufacturing, but it’s still a factor that makes the sport less accessible to some.” – (Pranav Kohli)
Efforts are underway to reduce prices through local manufacturing.
“Pickleball is all about community. It thrives on social connections. Local tournaments, school programs, and recreational leagues are vital to spreading the word and growing the game. The more people experience it, the more hooked they become.” – (Hemal Jain)
Bright Future for Pickleball in India
The sport’s future looks promising, with corporate investments and leagues driving its expansion. Kohli confirms,
“Corporate involvement is on the rise, and we’re seeing more investment in pickleball leagues. We’re already planning our next big pickleball league in March, and the response from sponsors has been fantastic. As the sport grows, more talent will emerge, and so will more sponsorship opportunities.” – (Pranav Kohli)
The World Pickleball League (WPL) recently showcased top-tier Indian and international talent, with teams backed by celebrities and corporate giants like Swiggy.
“We’re seeing great potential for the Indian Open 2025, and with events like the Pro Leagues, the talent pool is only going to increase. The future is very promising.” – (Hemal Jain)
With its accessibility, community-driven nature, and growing investment, pickleball is not just a passing fad—it’s here to stay.
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News in Brief: India’s Pickleball Revolution
Pickleball is rising in India, with 8,000 registered players and rapid expansion across cities. Major leagues, corporate investments, and celebrity endorsements are fueling its rise. Despite challenges like infrastructure and equipment costs, experts predict continued growth, with the Indian Open 2025 and other pro leagues paving the way for its future.
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