All India Pickleball Association Secures Delhi High Court Directive: The Delhi High Court has asked the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to explain why it recognized the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) despite legal objections. The court responded to a petition filed by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and scheduled the next hearing for May 19, 2025.
AIPA Challenges Government Decision
AIPA, formed in 2007, is India’s oldest governing body for pickleball. It has active units in 24 states and is a founding member of the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the Asia Federation of Pickleball.
In its legal filing, AIPA said MYAS broke rules by recognizing the IPA. The Sports Code says a sports body must be at least three years old to be officially recognized. AIPA claims IPA does not meet this rule and that the recognition is unfair. Justice Sachin Datta has asked the Ministry to file an affidavit explaining why any rule was relaxed or ignored.
Concerns About Fairness in Sports
AIPA’s lawyers argued the recognition goes against the Sports Code. They said the order is unfair and cannot be allowed to stand. “AIPA has strongly pressed that the impugned recognition order is not sustainable and is arbitrary under the law,” said the association in a statement.
Senior Advocate Dayan Krishnan appeared for AIPA. He was joined by Advocate Hemant Phalpher, Advocate Jaya Phalpher, and Advocate R. Iyer.
“The Sports Code exists to bring transparency, accountability and fairness to the process of recognition of National Sports Federations. If the code is to be diluted arbitrarily, it will damage the entire sporting ecosystem. AIPA has been the oldest and internationally affiliated governing body for Pickleball in India and will continue to uphold the principles of good governance in sports.” – (Advocate Hemant Phalpher)
About AIPA and Its Work in India
AIPA has been promoting pickleball in India since 2007. It works to grow the sport from the ground up. The group finds young talent and supports their training, fitness, and mental health.
AIPA is a registered not-for-profit under Section 25 of the Companies Act. Mr. Sunil Valavalkar introduced pickleball to India, and AIPA gained international recognition in 2015.
The association is also a founding member of the Asia Federation of Pickleball, based in Singapore. Under President Shri Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo, AIPA continues to push for national-level recognition of pickleball by Indian sports bodies.
What This Means for Indian Pickleball
The court case could shape who governs pickleball in India. If the court agrees with AIPA, the government may have to rethink how it grants recognition.
This legal step may also set a stronger rule for all sports bodies. Many experts see this as a key test of fairness in Indian sports administration. The final decision could affect pickleball’s future in the country.
News in Brief: All India Pickleball Association Secures Delhi High Court Directive
The Delhi High Court asked the Sports Ministry to justify recognizing the Indian Pickleball Association after a legal challenge by AIPA. AIPA claims the move broke rules. The case could decide who leads pickleball in India and ensure fair practices in recognizing national sports bodies. Hearing resumes on May 19.
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