GoRally Expands Pickleball Network in India: GoRally, India’s fastest-growing pickleball chain, is set to transform the recreational sports scene following a successful pre-seed funding round of $750,000. Founded by Sam Sancheti and Abhinav Shankar, the startup aims to expand its network and make pickleball a mainstream sport across urban India.
Rapid Expansion and Ambitious Goals
Since its launch in February 2024, GoRally has gained significant traction. The startup currently operates four pickleball centers in Bangalore, featuring 15 pickleball courts, and has a strong community presence with a 4,000-member WhatsApp group. With the new funding, GoRally plans to scale operations dramatically. By April 2025, the company intends to:
- Open eight centers with 40 pickleball courts and two padel courts.
- Launch the largest indoor pickle-padel arena in Whitefield, spanning 40,000 sq. ft.
- Introduce a tech platform to manage bookings and events.
- Expand coaching services with top players as full-time coaches.
- Grow its retail business, bringing international brands to India.
A Growing Popularity
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in India, with the number of courts increasing from 200 to over 1,200 in just a year.
In Bangalore alone, there are now more than 50 full-time courts, reflecting the sport’s appeal to a diverse audience, ranging from children to seniors. Experts believe pickleball could soon become one of India’s most popular recreational sports.
Investor Backing and Vision
The funding round was led by Sujeet Kumar, co-founder of Udaan, along with other prominent investors. Kumar expressed confidence in GoRally’s vision, stating,
“Sam and Abhinav have built something truly special. Their passion and relentless execution are evident in how quickly they’ve scaled. With their tech-driven approach and deep focus on community engagement, GoRally is redefining how people experience the game.” – (Sujeet Kumar)
Co-founder Sam Sancheti highlighted the demand for inclusive sports spaces, stating,
“The hunger for inclusive, welcoming sports spaces is unprecedented. Pickleball’s rise in 2024 exceeded even our most ambitious expectations. Our mission is to continue building best-in-class, accessible facilities, events, and tech-driven platforms that foster a sense of community.” – (Sam Sancheti)
Abhinav Shankar emphasized their goal to get 10 million Indians playing sports, stating,
“Our goal is to get the next 10 million Indians playing sports. We’re just scratching the surface of what’s possible. Pickleball has become more than just a sport—it’s a social phenomenon. This round sets the foundation for the next phase of our journey.” – (Abhinav Shankar)
Looking Ahead
With substantial investor support and a community-focused approach, GoRally is poised to lead the pickleball movement in India.
The startup aims to create a culture that promotes fitness and social connections through recreational sports. The rise of pickleball, along with GoRally’s ambitious plans, suggests that a new sporting revolution is on the horizon for India.
News in Brief: GoRally Expands Pickleball Network in India
GoRally is revolutionizing India’s pickleball scene with $750K in funding. The startup plans to expand its network, launch new pickleball centers, and promote pickleball as a mainstream sport, aiming to get millions involved in recreational activities.
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