Indian Pickleball Association’s National Recognition: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has been officially recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the national governing body for pickleball in India. This recognition paves the way for India to host the Pickleball Asia Cup 2025, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country.
Growth and Future Plans
The IPA is a Class A member of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), a group dedicated to promoting pickleball worldwide. The GPF aims to unite nations and include pickleball in the Asian Games and the Olympics. Following the recognition, the IPA announced plans to expand the sport in India, starting with the 2025 Asia Cup.
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the IPA, expressed his excitement, saying, “This is a defining moment, but we see it as just the beginning. Our focus is firmly on the future — building a pipeline of talent, creating career opportunities, and ensuring every Indian has access to the joy and benefits of pickleball.”
Javier Regalado, President of the GPF, also shared his pride in India’s achievement: “The recognition of the IPA by the Indian Sports Ministry is a proud moment for the global pickleball community. India’s growing passion for pickleball will now be further fuelled, and we look forward to seeing India emerge as a powerhouse in the sport.”
Plans for Expansion and Development
The IPA is focused on expanding pickleball across India. It aims to launch structured programs in schools, aligning with initiatives like Khelo India and Khel Mahakumbh. The association will also roll out a national certification program for coaches and referees to support the growing demand for quality training. Additionally, the IPA plans to expand the Women’s Pickleball Cup to encourage more women to participate.
Youth development is another key focus. The IPA is working to establish Regional High-Performance Junior Training Centres and host international coaches’ conferences. These efforts aim to develop the next generation of pickleball talent and increase India’s presence at the Pickleball World Cup.
Pickleball’s Rapid Growth in India
Pickleball’s popularity in India has surged dramatically, with a 159% increase in players from 2019 to 2022. This rise highlights the growing appeal of the sport among people of all ages. The IPA’s national tournaments, such as the IPA Nationals 2025, have attracted hundreds of players, showcasing India’s growing competitive scene. The IPA-sanctioned PWR DUPR India Masters in 2024 also attracted international players and media attention.
Global Recognition and Future Goals
The IPA’s recognition is part of a broader effort to elevate Indian pickleball on the global stage. The partnership with the Times Group-backed Pickleball World Rankings (PWR) will help accelerate the sport’s growth across India. With strong leadership, a growing player base, and global partnerships, the IPA is well-positioned to lead India into a new era of pickleball.
News in Brief: Indian Pickleball Association’s National Recognition
The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has been officially recognized by India’s Sports Ministry as the national governing body for pickleball. This recognition sets the stage for India to host the Pickleball Asia Cup 2025 and accelerates the sport’s growth with new programs and global partnerships.
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