India’s Next Pickleball Star: Dilli Dillwale has launched “Play for Dilli,” India’s first yearlong remote pickleball scouting program. Open from 2025 for players aged 14 and above, this digital-first initiative uses video submissions to identify and support rising talent across India, regardless of their location or resources.
A New Way to Discover Talent
The program is designed to be open, easy, and nationwide. Players can submit videos showing their serve, rally, and net play. A panel will review the entries every month, creating a dynamic national leaderboard. Top players earn coaching and chances to join top camps and franchise trials.
“We’re building a pipeline that puts talent first — not geography or privilege. Play for Dilli is our way of taking pickleball to the last mile. Whether you’re in a Tier 1 city or a small town with just a smartphone and a passion for sport, you now have a shot. This program is about opening up the ecosystem, breaking barriers, and ensuring that the next generation of Indian pickleball talent is discovered, nurtured, and given the platform they deserve.” – (Ankiti Bose, Co-Owner, Dilli Dillwale)
Making Pickleball More Inclusive
Rohan Gavaskar, also a co-owner of Dilli Dillwale, explained that the program is about giving access and opportunity.
“Play for Dilli is about more than finding great athletes–it’s about giving opportunity to those who’ve never had access before. We want to make sure every talented player, no matter where they live or what resources they have, gets a shot at being seen. That’s how we build a team–and a sport–that truly represents India.” – (Rohan Gavaskar)
How Players Can Join
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Register online
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Submit three short videos: serve, rally, and net play
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Rankings updated monthly
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Top 50% get free coaching
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Top 20% invited to scouting camps
A Digital Step Toward the Future
The program aims to form a national digital player pool of 300 to 500 athletes. It will connect directly to major tournaments like the Future Stars Cup and WPBL. Dilli Dillwale also plans to produce videos such as coach reactions and scout diaries to share online.
Franchises, sponsors, and media outlets are invited to support and promote “Play for Dilli” during the 2025-26 season. The program’s message is clear: “Your Paddle. Your Shot.”
What This Means for Indian Pickleball
By removing barriers, “Play for Dilli” could reshape how talent is found in India. It offers a fair chance to anyone with a phone and passion for the sport. This program could lead to stronger teams, greater national interest, and a more diverse group of players in Indian pickleball.
News in Brief: India’s Next Pickleball Star
Dilli Dillwale has launched “Play for Dilli,” a yearlong remote scouting program open to Indian pickleball players aged 14+. With video submissions and monthly rankings, top players get coaching and trial invites. The goal is to discover talent from across the country and grow the sport’s reach.
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