AIPA Fights for Legitimacy: The Delhi High Court has ordered the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MoYAS) to place on record every document related to the recognition of the recently formed Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). The directive came during Monday’s hearing in the case filed by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) against the Government of India and the IPA, after government counsel requested additional time to formalize a counter-affidavit.
Instead of granting the delay, the court demanded the ministry’s full file on the IPA’s formation and approval process and scheduled the next hearing for May 23, 2025. The court stressed the need for complete transparency as it examines whether due process was followed in bestowing official status on the newcomer federation.
During proceedings, government lawyers also disclosed the arrival of a new intervenor: the New Indian Pickleball Association (NIPA), a Bengaluru-based organization founded in 2021. NIPA merged with AIPA last year and now contests the IPA’s legitimacy, accusing the new group of using its name, records, and heritage without authorization. AIPA has filed a separate case alleging identity misuse and misrepresentation by the IPA.
AIPA welcomed the court’s order, arguing that any shortcut undermining the sport’s governance must be scrutinized. The association reiterated its faith in the judiciary and said it expects the rule of law to protect pickleball’s long-term integrity in India.
Formed in 2007 as a non-profit under Section 25 of the Companies Act, AIPA has promoted pickleball nationwide for 15 years. It secured International Pickleball Federation (IPF) affiliation in 2015 and is a founding member of the Asia Federation of Pickleball.
News in Brief: AIPA Fights for Legitimacy
The Delhi High Court ordered the Sports Ministry to submit all records on the Indian Pickleball Association’s recognition. This follows a case by AIPA, which questions IPA’s legitimacy. AIPA, backed by NIPA, alleges misuse of identity and stresses fair governance for pickleball’s future in India.
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