Indrajit Dhar Pickleball Club Success: Indrajit Dhar, an Indian pickleball player who began playing in 2021, has turned his passion into a successful career as a tournament director in Illinois. Without owning a facility, he now helps oversee events at five DUPR Clubs and has built a community that continues to grow.
From Player to Tournament Director
Indrajit Dhar’s journey began during the pandemic when he purchased his first paddle online and instantly fell in love with the sport. Within months, he trained regularly, entered tournaments, and even won his first competition.
While celebrating his win with his partner over a beer, the idea of running a tournament came to life. Soon after, Dhar discovered DUPR and began tracking his progress.
“Seeing my rating move up from a 3.5 to a 3.9 felt like getting an A+ in school. DUPR gave me a way to measure progress, and that motivated me even more,”(Indrajit Dhar).
Today, Dhar holds a DUPR rating of 5.043.
Building a Digital Club
In July 2023, Dhar hosted his first tournament at a local park. The event was well-received, and players wanted more. He launched a Facebook page, ID & Friends Pickleball, to keep the community connected.
By October 2025, Dhar will host his seventh tournament, offering more than $5,000 in cash prizes. Players compete not only for winnings but also for DUPR ratings that track their growth.
Expanding to Five DUPR Clubs
As his reputation grew, local facilities noticed. Life Sport Athletic Club invited Dhar to be a brand ambassador for their DUPR pickleball clubs. With four Life Sport locations plus his own events, Dhar now supports tournaments and leagues across five DUPR Clubs in Illinois.
He also mentors younger players, including juniors who are already winning medals at Professional Pickleball Association (PPA) events.
Challenges Along the Way
In the beginning, players were hesitant to pay entry fees for unknown tournaments. Dhar worked to build trust by focusing on value, fairness, and player experience. His events now sell out quickly.
Advice for Future Directors
Dhar offers three key lessons for others hoping to build their own DUPR clubs:
Prioritize your players.
My first priority has always been my participants. Treat them like customers and make sure they feel important and have a great experience.Start with community, not just marketing.
Before Facebook and Instagram, you need to show up at local courts, play, help others, and build loyalty. The community will carry you.Deliver value from day one.
My first tournament cost only $10 to enter, but I made sure players walked away with more, including sponsor gifts, a smooth experience, and real value. That built the trust that keeps them coming back.
A Growing Legacy
In just three years, Indrajit Dhar has advanced from beginner to organizer, winning medals at Minor League Nationals and helping shape the next generation of players. His journey shows that passion, consistency, and DUPR’s support can create a strong pickleball community anywhere.
News in Brief: Indrajit Dhar Pickleball Club Success
Indian pickleball player Indrajit Dhar has grown from a casual player in 2021 to running tournaments at five DUPR Clubs in Illinois. Without owning a facility, he built a loyal community through value-driven events, mentorship, and DUPR ratings. His story highlights how dedication can turn passion into opportunity.