Mumbai will host the Indian Open 2025, Asia’s largest pickleball championship, from February 3rd to 9th. Organized by Global Sports, the event will gather over 1,800 players from various categories, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity in India.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a fast-growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a smaller court with a perforated paddle and a low-density plastic ball. Known for its ease of learning and social appeal, pickleball is accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
The global pickleball market is expected to grow from USD 1.9 billion in 2023 to USD 7.9 billion by 2033, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.3% from 2024 to 2033.
Global Sports’ Vision for Pickleball in India
Global Sports is dedicated to popularizing pickleball and creating career opportunities for players, coaches, and professionals. The organization is led by partners who are passionate about the sport, including Niraj Jain, Suresh Bhansali, Divyesh Jain, Hemal Jain, and Shashank Khaitan.
Their efforts have significantly elevated the sport’s profile nationwide. Yuvraj Ruia, a player and partner at Global Sports, expressed,
“For us, pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a passion project. Our dream is to see pickleball at the Olympics with India winning medals. We envision pickleball becoming a sustainable career option that touches lives across the country.” – (Yuvraj Ruia)
Expanding the Pickleball Community
Pickleball’s easy-to-learn format, minimal equipment needs, and smaller courts make it appealing to all age groups. The sport is thriving in major cities like Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Delhi while also reaching smaller cities such as Jaipur, Surat, and Ambala. Its affordability allows players from diverse backgrounds to connect and compete, fostering a sense of community.
In Mumbai, Global Sports has built 50 courts out of the city’s 500. They have also announced their first international pickleball center in Dubai. This growth contributes to the expanding pickleball infrastructure in India.
Highlights of the Indian Open 2025
Scheduled to take place across over 25 courts, including a dedicated show court for livestreaming, the Indian Open 2025 will be a grand celebration of pickleball. This tournament follows a series of successful events organized by Global Sports, including the Indian Open 2023 in Goa and the Global Sports Pickleball Championship in Mumbai.
These tournaments have consistently attracted top talent, including international stars like Andrei Daescu and Susannah Barr, as well as sports icons such as Sania Mirza and Rohan Bopanna.
News in Brief: Indian Open 2025
Mumbai will host the Indian Open 2025, Asia’s largest pickleball championship, from February 3rd to 9th, organized by Global Sports. The event will feature over 1,800 players across 25 courts, highlighting pickleball’s growing popularity in India.
Global Sports aims to expand the pickleball community and infrastructure while promoting career opportunities for players and coaches, positioning India as a significant player on the global stage.
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