Pickleball Arrives in Odisha: The 6th National Ranking Pickleball Tournament, organized by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), will take place in Bhubaneswar from January 3 to 5, 2025. Over 350 players from across India will compete for a prize pool of ₹10 lakh, marking a significant milestone in the sport’s growth within the country.
Diverse Categories and Age Groups
Participants will engage in various categories, including Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles, with age brackets ranging from 14 and under to 60 and above. Registration began on December 4, 2024, and will conclude on December 26, 2024, exclusively through the Khelomore platform.
Promoting Grassroots Development
This landmark event aims to foster grassroots enthusiasm, particularly in Odisha and its neighboring states. Representing 23 AIPA-affiliated states such as Chandigarh, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, and Uttarakhand, players promise intense matches as they compete for the substantial prize fund. AIPA will provide all registered players with basic accommodation and meals, ensuring a smooth experience for participants.
AIPA President Shares Insights
Arvind Prabhoo, AIPA President, expressed pride in hosting the tournament in eastern India for the first time.
“This event not only highlights our commitment to promoting pickleball across the country but also serves as a platform for players from diverse regions to showcase their talent.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
“We are confident this tournament will inspire more people in Odisha and neighboring states to embrace the sport, fostering its growth at the grassroots level.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
The three-day event is ready to celebrate the spirit of pickleball, offering a thrilling mix of competition and camaraderie for players and fans.
News in Brief: Pickleball Arrives in Odisha
The AIPA will host the 6th National Ranking Pickleball Tournament in Bhubaneswar from January 3–5, 2025. With over 350 players from 23 states competing in various categories, the event aims to promote grassroots development in Odisha.
Participants will vie for a ₹10 lakh prize fund across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles matches in multiple age brackets. Registration is open until December 26, 2024, on the Khelomore platform. Players will receive accommodations and meals during the tournament, which marks a significant expansion of pickleball in India.
Readers Queries
- How popular is pickleball in India?
A non-contact racket game that combines elements of tennis, table tennis and badminton, pickleball is seen as a recreational sport with health benefits. Though it was originally invented in the US in 1965, the sport has witnessed immense popularity in India, especially since the Covid-19 pandemic
2. Which is the pickleball capital of India?
Mumbai: With 120 courts, Mumbai stands as a major hub for pickleball in India. Delhi NCR: The Delhi National Capital Region boasts 80 pickleball courts, catering to the enthusiastic player base in the region.
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