Jonty Rhodes Calls for Pickleball Revolution: Speaking at the Indian Economic Conclave (IEC) 2024, the legendary South African cricketer Jonty Rhodes emphasized the potential for pickleball to achieve significant growth in India. Known as one of the world’s fastest-growing sports, pickleball is making waves globally and steadily gaining traction in India. With Andre Agassi set to announce the PWR DUPR India League, momentum is building for the sport. Rhodes voiced optimism that pickleball in India could eventually mirror the IPL’s impact on cricket.
Viewership and Grassroots Facilities
Rhodes outlined two crucial steps for the sport’s development in the country. First, pickleball game needs a robust viewership base. He explained that as more people engage with the sport as spectators, its popularity will inevitably soar.
Second, grassroots-level facilities across India must be established to nurture talent and introduce more people to the game. Drawing parallels with cricket, Rhodes remarked how the IPL’s infrastructure revolutionized cricket facilities nationwide.
“What it needs is viewership. You need grassroots-level facilities across the country. Pickleball will grow if you can get people to watch the game. This sport can go places in India. I have seen how facilities have grown with IPL.” – (Jonty Rhodes).
A Culinary Connection to India
On the lighter side, Rhodes also shared his culinary experiences in India. When asked about his favorite Indian dish, the cricketer was quick to mention his appreciation for regional cuisines.
From Goan fish curry to Laal Maas in Rajasthan and biryani in Hyderabad, his culinary adventures have spanned the country’s rich flavors. However, one dish remains a constant for him and his wife: palak paneer.
“It’s no good for me looking for Goan Fish Curry in Rajasthan. There I’m going to eat Laal Maas. In Hyderabad, I’m going to have biryani. It is no point for me to go, this is my favorite.” – (Jonty Rhodes)
“I think the one dish that is useful for my wife and me wherever we are is palak paneer. Most of the time in Goa, it’s hot. So we come out in the evening and eat dinner quite early. So our staple diet is palak paneer and rice for the last three months.” – (Jonty Rhodes)
News in Brief: Jonty Rhodes Calls for Pickleball Revolution
At the Indian Economic Conclave 2024, Jonty Rhodes highlighted the steps necessary to grow pickleball in India. He emphasized the need for widespread viewership and grassroots facilities to replicate the IPL’s success in cricket. Rhodes also revealed his love for Indian food, sharing his preference for regional dishes and his staple choice of palak paneer with rice.
Readers Queries
1. Who introduced pickleball in India?
Sunil Valavalkar introduced pickleball to India in 2006. His first experience with it was in British Columbia, Canada, in 1999, where he played it daily during his 110-day stay. Following a later trip to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 2006, Valavalkar was reminded of pickleball during a tennis clinic.
2. Is pickleball popular in India?
Pickleball is booming worldwide, and India is no exception. Once played in parking lots and alleys, it’s now entering the professional era.
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