Pickleball Goes Big as AIPA Partners with Bingo: The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has announced a five-year partnership with popular Indian snack brand Bingo! to promote the fast-growing sport of pickleball across India. This strategic alliance aims to elevate pickleball’s visibility and establish India as a prominent player on the international pickleball stage. The first major event under this partnership will be the India leg of the World Pickleball Championship (WPC), which is set to take place in Mumbai from November 12 to November 17.
The Partnership Unveiled with Celebrations and Star Presence
On the eve of the Championship, the AIPA and Bingo! opened their partnership in a high-profile event attended by Suresh Chand, Vice President and Head of Marketing for Snacks, Noodles, and Pasta at ITC Foods, as well as Arvind Prabhoo, the President of the AIPA.
The occasion was further graced by celebrities Mandira Bedi and Nyra Banerjee, who showed their support for the sport’s growing presence in India. Arvind Prabhoo shared his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating,
“Through this partnership, we envision a future where pickleball is accessible to everyone, from college students to aspiring professional athletes. With Bingo!’s extensive reach and vibrant brand presence, this partnership aspires to create a ripple effect, making pickleball a household name and positioning India as a leading force in the global pickleball arena.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
A Competitive Legacy and Expanding Global Reach
The WPC’s India leg marks a key milestone, especially following the previous tournaments held in Vietnam and Bali, where the Indian teams secured numerous medals. Now, as the Championship heads to Mumbai, nearly 650 players from around the world—including competitors from Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore—are set to participate.
Jan Papi, Founder of Pickleball Global and the WPC Series, highlighted India’s growing potential in pickleball, saying,
“India has incredible potential for the sport at all levels, and we’re eager to collaborate with AIPA to further elevate the profile of pickleball both in India and internationally.” – (Jan Papi)
Pickleball’s Rapid Rise in India
Originally a sport that combines tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball has witnessed a global surge, with over 5 million players across 84 countries. The sport’s popularity in India is particularly impressive, seeing a 275 percent growth in active players over the past three years alone.
With a remarkable 40 percent female participation rate, pickleball is well on its way to becoming a mainstream sport, and projections estimate that India will surpass one million active players by 2028.
News in Brief: Pickleball Goes Big as AIPA Partners with Bingo
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has entered a five-year partnership with Bingo! to promote pickleball in India. The partnership was launched on the eve of the World Pickleball Championship’s India leg, set to be held in Mumbai from November 12-17.
Nearly 650 players from various countries will compete, showing India’s growing talent pool. With significant growth in players, India is on track to surpass one million active pickleball players by 2028, solidifying its position on the global stage.
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