All India Pickleball Association Appeals to PM Modi: The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking support after being denied official recognition by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS). AIPA, formed in 2007, has expressed concern over the ministry’s decision to recognize a much newer group instead.
AIPA’s letter was sent on Sunday and highlights what the association calls an “injustice” toward the sport of pickleball in India. The letter accuses the ministry of ignoring AIPA’s 18 years of work to build the sport and instead giving recognition to the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), a group created only five months ago.
AIPA’s Role in Indian Pickleball
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) is the oldest and largest governing body for pickleball in the country. It has state bodies in 24 states and has worked since 2007 to grow the sport. AIPA also helped found the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the Asian Pickleball Federation (APF), receiving official affiliations in 2015 and 2020. In the letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, AIPA shared its frustration:
“Respected Prime Minister, we write this letter not just as members of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), but as citizens who believe in merit, justice, and the idea of India as a sporting nation built on hard work, not political preferences. Over the last 18 years, AIPA has nurtured and built Pickleball in India — brick by brick, paddle by paddle.” – (AIPA)
AIPA said that pickleball has grown across more than 25 states thanks to its work with players, coaches, tournaments, and local groups.
“What began as an unknown sport is today played across 25+ states, with thousands of players, coaches, tournaments, and associations — all mobilised, trained, and built through the relentless, unpaid efforts of AIPA and its community. And yet, in a move that’s left an entire sporting ecosystem stunned and demoralised.” – (AIPA)
Dispute Over Government Recognition
The central issue raised by AIPA is the recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) as the official National Sports Federation (NSF) by the Sports Ministry. AIPA questioned the ministry’s decision:
“The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) has chosen to grant recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) to the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) — a body that, as per publicly available records, came into existence 5 months ago. Is this the message we wish to send to the sporting world — that merit doesn’t matter, and sweat can be tuned by influence?” – (AIPA)
AIPA said this was not just a personal setback, but a serious issue affecting the entire Indian sports system.
“This is not just a case of AIPA being overlooked. It’s a case of Indian sport being undermined. Years of effort are being erased by a shortcut. Of trust in the system being shattered. We urge you, with folded hands and hopeful hearts, to intervene. To review this decision transparently. And to ensure that Indian sport — and the athletes, coaches, and associations that build it — are not casualties of politics. This is not just about Pickleball. This is about principle. And about the India we want to become.” – (AIPA)
Why This Matters
AIPA’s letter brings national attention to the struggle between long-standing sports organizations and newer groups that receive official backing.
If the government does not review the situation, it could affect other sports associations that have also worked without recognition. The outcome could influence how sports are supported and governed in India in the future.
News in Brief: All India Pickleball Association Appeals to PM Modi
The All India Pickleball Association wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday, asking for fair recognition from the Sports Ministry. AIPA, active since 2007, protested the government’s decision to favor a new group formed five months ago. The association urged a transparent review of this decision.
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