Tamil Nadu’s Pickleball Revolution: Pickleball is rapidly growing in Chennai, with sports centers transforming their facilities to meet demand. At the Ice Water Sports Arena in Express Avenue, Logesh Kumar R, business development manager, and coach, announced they are replacing a futsal court with a new pickleball court. Within a year, the arena’s three existing pickleball courts have drawn over 600 players each month.
The Tamil Nadu Pickleball Association (TNPA) launched the Tamil Nadu Pickleball Premier League (TNPPL) on November 26.
“This league will help upcoming athletes find a footing in the sport,”(Mohit Kumar, general secretary of TNPA).
Rising Popularity in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu now boasts over 100 pickleball courts and more than 700 registered players, alongside 2,000 recreational players. Stars like Arvind Swamy and Samantha Ruth Prabhu have embraced the sport, with Samantha owning the Chennai franchise in the World Pickleball League (WPBL).
“One minute I’m reading about it, and in another, it’s everywhere, everyone is playing it, and now so am I,”(Samantha Ruth Prabhu).
Upcoming global events like the Pickleball World Rankings by Andre Agassi and the World Pickleball Series by Gaurav Natekar provide new opportunities for Tamil Nadu’s players. Trainers like Jagannathan T in Vellore have also opened centers to cater to the increasing interest.
“We coach kids as young as five and senior citizens. Tennis players are switching to pickleball, and many prefer it over cardio,” (Jagannathan T).
A Game for Everyone
Pickleball is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
“The biggest advantage is that players with any level of stamina and strength can play,”(Augustus Dodo),
a trainer in Madurai who has also set up a training center. His students even competed in a tournament in Chennai after just a year of training.
Entrepreneurs like Raghul Dayal and Arif Omar see the sport as a growing business opportunity. Their videos about starting pickleball franchises have sparked over 350 inquiries.
“Most of the people calling already have badminton or tennis courts and want to add pickleball,”. “It costs about ₹12 lakh to set up an outdoor court and up to ₹20 lakh for an indoor one”(Arif Omar)
Challenges and Growth
Despite the enthusiasm, challenges like the lack of Indian-made equipment persist. Players currently import paddles and balls, with costs starting at ₹5,000 for paddles and ₹300 for balls.
“People are eager to gear up and participate in national tournaments. Equipment is a problem, but enthusiasts are willing to invest”(Augustus)
Trainer shortages are another issue.
“In tier-two cities, people are still learning about the game,” (Augustus).
However, the sport’s low-impact nature and benefits like improved health and reduced joint stress make it appealing.
Why Pickleball Stands Out
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, using paddles and a plastic ball. It’s easy to play in urban spaces due to its smaller courts and slower pace. These factors make it ideal for players of all ages.
As the sport gains traction in Tamil Nadu, with leagues and training centers expanding, pickleball is proving to be more than a trend. Its popularity among celebrities and its accessibility are driving its growth, making it one of the fastest-growing sports in the region.
News in Brief: Tamil Nadu’s Pickleball Revolution
Pickleball is rising in Tamil Nadu, with over 100 courts and growing participation from players of all ages, including celebrities like Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Leagues like TNPPL and new training centers fuel its rise, while challenges like equipment costs and trainer shortages persist. The sport’s accessibility and health benefits drive its popularity.
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