India Joins the Pickleball Revolution: Pickleball, a sport once considered a niche activity, has surged to the forefront of American sports culture. In recent years, it has captured the attention of a wide range of players, from casual enthusiasts to serious athletes. With its simpler rules and lower barriers to entry, pickleball has quickly become the most popular racquet sport in the United States, making waves across the country and beyond.
A Massive Jump in Participation
According to the 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report, pickleball has now officially become the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for the third consecutive year. The numbers are staggering—between 2022 and 2023 alone, the sport saw a remarkable 51.8% increase in participation. Over the past three years, the game has experienced an eye-popping 223.5% growth, bringing an estimated 13.6 million Americans into the fold.
This explosive growth reflects the sport’s broad appeal, from young adults looking for a fresh challenge to retirees seeking a fun and low-impact exercise.
The Rise of the Committed Player
Along with the growth in participation, the sport has seen a shift toward more serious involvement. In 2023, there was a significant 111% increase in players who have embraced pickleball at a competitive level. Young adults, especially those aged between 25 and 34, have become the backbone of the sport’s increasing commitment. In addition, over 1 million players under the age of 18 have picked up their paddles, marking pickleball as a sport of choice for the next generation.
- 111% rise in committed players, focusing on the competitive side.
- Most active age group: 25–34-year-olds.
- More than 1 million under-18 participants.
This shift not only underscores the sport’s continued rise but also signals its future sustainability, with younger generations fully engaged in its growth.
Global Expansion and New Tournaments
The sport’s expansion isn’t confined to the U.S. alone. Pickleball is making its mark internationally, with significant steps taken toward global recognition. In July 2024, the Pickleball League Asia Private Limited, in collaboration with The Times Group, launched the Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) in a grand ceremony in Dubai. The announcement marked the beginning of an exciting new era for competitive pickleball, with a dynamic tournament schedule in the works.
- Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) launched in Dubai, July 2024.
- Upcoming tournaments: Mumbai, Tsu (Japan), Ahmedabad, Pune, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, New Delhi, and Chennai.
- DUPR Indian League and Tour will be a major highlight of the calendar.
The global reach of pickleball is growing steadily, with international events scheduled across Asia and India, building momentum toward making pickleball a truly worldwide sport.
News in Brief: India Joins the Pickleball Revolution
Pickleball continues its remarkable rise, experiencing a 223.5% increase in participation over the past three years, according to the 2024 State of Pickleball report. With 13.6 million Americans now engaged in the sport, a significant surge has also been seen in the number of committed players. Young adults aged 25–34, as well as more than 1 million under-18 participants, are driving this growth. On the global stage, the Pickleball World Rankings were launched in Dubai, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the sport with exciting upcoming tournaments in India and Japan.
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