Indian Pickleball Association’s Recognition Dispute: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) was given national federation status by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) on April 25, allowing it to promote and regulate pickleball across India. However, this decision has caused protests from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which has worked to grow the sport for nearly 20 years.
Long-Standing Contribution by AIPA
The All India Pickleball Association was established in 2007 and operates in 24 states. It believes its many years of work should have earned it national federation status. The Indian Pickleball Association, formed only in November 2024, is much newer. AIPA argues that the recognition of IPA is unfair and questions the decision-making process.
Concerns About the Recognition Process
Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo, President of AIPA, spoke with Indiatoday.in about the issue. He said the recognition of IPA was premature and unjust.
“AIPA was established in 2008, and over the years, we have worked tirelessly to introduce, nurture, and expand pickleball across India. We are actively involved in 24 states through our grassroots programs and have been affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) since 2015. We have also been a founding member of the Asia Federation of Pickleball since 2020. Yet despite all this, the recognition went to IPA, a body formed just in November 2024 with little history or substantial contributions to the sport.” – (Prabhoo)
He added that AIPA has been involved in 24 states through grassroots programs and has been linked to the International Pickleball Federation since 2015. Despite this, MYAS chose to recognize IPA, which has little history. Prabhoo also pointed out that AIPA applied for national federation status in October 2024, months before IPA was formed.
“On October 18, 2024, AIPA officially applied for recognition from MYAS, well before IPA was even formed. Despite this, MYAS chose to recognize IPA, disregarding the work we’ve done over the years. This decision undermines the National Sports Code of 2011, which stipulates that an organization must demonstrate substantial activity and longevity to be eligible for NSF status.” – (Prabhoo)
AIPA’s Role in Developing Pickleball
Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo explained that AIPA has played a key role in organizing many tournaments. These include the Bainbridge Cup in 2022, the World Pickleball Championship in 2024, and the upcoming World Pickleball League in 2025. Between 2013 and 2025, AIPA held eight National Tournaments, six National Ranking Tournaments, the Federation Cup, and the Indian Open.
“AIPA has been key in organizing several prestigious tournaments, such as the Bainbridge Cup in December 2022, the World Pickleball Championship in 2024, and the upcoming World Pickleball League in 2025. Between 2013 and 2025, we have conducted eight National Tournaments, six National Ranking Tournaments, the Federation Cup, and the Indian Open, to name a few.” – (Prabhoo)
AIPA has also built strong training programs to improve player skills, fitness, diet, and mental strength. Prabhoo mentioned coaching programs in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, producing over 100 certified coaches. Referee clinics help keep officiating up to international standards.
“We’ve also established coaching programs in various states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, producing over 100 certified coaches. These coaches are spreading the sport across India, while our referee clinics ensure that officiating is held to international standards.” – (Prabhoo)
AIPA’s International Impact
The association has made a mark internationally. AIPA has been a full member of the International Pickleball Federation since 2015. It hosted the World Pickleball Championship in 2024 and sent Indian teams to many global events.
“AIPA has been instrumental in sending Indian teams to the Asian Pickleball Games in 2022, 2023, and 2024, held in Taiwan, as well as the World Pickleball Championships in Bali in 2022 and 2023. Our youth teams, including those in the under-12, under-14, and under-16 categories, have participated in the Asia Junior Pickleball Championship in Vietnam, winning medals and putting India on the global map for pickleball.” – (Prabhoo)
He added that India’s youth teams, including under-12, under-14, and under-16 groups, took part in the Asia Junior Pickleball Championship in Vietnam and won medals, raising India’s profile worldwide.
Future Challenges and Goals
Despite the setback, AIPA remains focused on growing pickleball in India. Prabhoo said that not being included in the Olympics is a major challenge for getting official recognition. However, he hopes that the Indian Olympic Association’s upcoming affiliation will help. Funding remains tough, and the recognition of IPA complicates efforts, he added.
“We have faced funding challenges, but our commitment to the sport remains unwavering. The recognition of IPA complicates matters, as it overlooks years of grassroots development in favor of a new organization with no established track record. The key difference between AIPA and IPA is that AIPA was formed in 2008 and has built the sport from the ground up, while IPA, formed just in November 2024, has no significant infrastructure or presence.” – (Prabhoo)
AIPA plans to continue its work, aiming for long-term growth nationally and internationally.
“Our governance system is well-established, with representation in 24 states, and our international affiliations with the IPF and the Asia Federation of Pickleball are testaments to our commitment to bringing India to the world stage for pickleball.” – (Prabhoo)
News in Brief: Indian Pickleball Association’s Recognition Dispute
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports gave national federation status to the Indian Pickleball Association in April 2025. The All India Pickleball Association, founded in 2007, disputes this decision. AIPA says its long history and work in 24 states should have earned recognition instead.