Pickleball’s Rapid Rise in India: Pickleball, a sport that began in the U.S. in 1965, has risen in popularity worldwide, with millions now playing across various continents. India, with its large and growing pickleball community, has become the second-largest market for the sport, yet it faces significant challenges in expanding its infrastructure to meet rising demand.
The Pickleball Rise
Pickleball has become a favorite for players of all ages due to its accessibility and fun nature. It’s easy to learn, social and promotes an active lifestyle. The pandemic further accelerated the sport’s growth, with millions of new players joining each year.
In the U.S., pickleball has grown by 263.5% since 2014, and demand for courts has surged. Similarly, India has seen a 159% increase in players since 2019. This growth has driven the need for more courts and facilities.
The Need for More Courts in India
India currently has over 50,000 players and 2,000 courts, but the country is struggling to keep up with the demand for pickleball infrastructure.
Unlike countries like the U.S. and Europe, where local governments have invested in public pickleball courts, India’s infrastructure is mostly made up of privately owned courts in sports clubs and academies. This limits access for many potential players, especially in schools and public spaces.
India’s Key Pickleball Hubs
Gujarat is currently home to the most pickleball courts, with around 500 locations, while Maharashtra, Delhi NCR, and several other cities also host a growing number of courts.
However, these numbers are still far from enough to support the rapid growth of the sport. More investment and government support are needed to expand facilities and make the sport accessible to a wider audience.
Pickleball’s Global Impact
Around the world, pickleball’s popularity is driving major investments in infrastructure. In the U.S., cities like Florida, California, and Texas are leading the way in building new courts, and the number of courts globally is expected to grow from 20,000 in 2020 to 100,000 by 2025.
Europe, particularly the UK and Spain, is also seeing rapid expansion, with investments in new centers and leagues. In Asia, countries like China, Malaysia, and Indonesia are embracing the sport, with China expected to have over 10,000 courts and 100 million players in the next five years.
India’s Infrastructure Crisis
Despite the growing enthusiasm, India’s infrastructure remains far behind. Many public schools and universities in India lack pickleball courts, unlike in the U.S. and Europe, where it is part of sports programs.
Experts believe that early exposure to pickleball in schools would significantly help develop young talent and increase the sport’s reach.
In the coming years, India’s pickleball scene could thrive if more courts are built and the government steps in to support the sport. With over 50,000 players already, there is a clear opportunity for pickleball to become even more popular in India.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Rapid Rise in India
Pickleball is growing rapidly in India, but the country’s infrastructure is struggling to keep up. Despite having over 50,000 players, India lacks sufficient courts and public facilities. More government investment and expanded infrastructure are necessary to support the sport’s growth and make it accessible to a broader audience.
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