Pickleball criticism in India: Pickleball has recently become a hot topic on Indian social media, drawing both praise and criticism. The sport, which mixes tennis, table tennis, and badminton, is spreading fast in India, especially in cities like Delhi. While some see it as a fun, easy way to stay active, others argue it is not a serious sport.
Pickleball’s Origins and Growth
Pickleball started in 1965 when Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created it in a backyard. They used ping-pong paddles, a plastic ball, and a badminton net. The game soon grew popular and was recognized by the USA Pickleball Association in 1984. Today, it uses paddles made of wood or composite materials and a perforated ball. Players hit the ball over a low net on a small court, which makes the game easier to learn.
In India, searches for pickleball have risen to a five-year high, as shown by Google Trends. People often look for phrases like “pickleball booking,” “pickleball bat,” and “pickleball vs tennis.” Videos on Instagram showing new courts in Delhi-NCR have also helped spread the trend.
After seeing this up close I hereby declare pickleball is an absolute joke of a sport. The ball is no speed, no bounce, the paddle has no power. Playing catch catch with a toddler is more testing. pic.twitter.com/eXZS6yEPi9
— Aman (@AmanHasNoName_2) June 26, 2025
Criticism from Sports Fans
Even with its popularity, many sports fans online have mocked pickleball. One user on X said, “After seeing this up close I hereby declare pickleball is an absolute joke of a sport. The ball is no speed, no bounce, the paddle has no power. Playing catch catch with a toddler is more testing.”
Another person with the handle wrote, “pickleball is the matcha of sports.”
A another user shared, “I’ve played tennis, badminton, and squash for years. Then I played Pickleball a few weeks ago. I have no idea how this is even a real sport. It requires almost no physical fitness or agility. I was dominating without even playing it before.”
Community Support and Defense
While many criticize pickleball, others defend it. Supporters argue that it helps people be active, especially those who might not play other sports. One user said, “pickleball is actually very cool because it is fun to play, and has gotten thousands of people off their couches. people hating on a fun little game are either pseudo-purists of another equally stupid but more challenging racket sport or just contrarians without a cause.”
Another person added, “People hating on pickleball bcz it is an easy sport don’t realise that at least some people have started doing physical activity bcz of this. People in 30s, 40s and 50s playing again bcz of availability and ease of playing. Something is better than nothing!”
A comment also read, “Reminder for haters: Old person’s sport aka Pickleball burns more calories and keeps you fitter than being a keyboard warrior. Pickleball is slow. Yeah try playing low and see if your back and quads don’t get a pull.”
Celebrity Endorsements
Interest in pickleball has grown even more after Indian celebrities Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma were spotted playing it in May. Their involvement has made more people curious to try the sport.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma playing pickleball. 😄 pic.twitter.com/3gMTlroIXP
— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 21, 2025
The Future of Pickleball in India
While many Indians still see pickleball as a casual hobby, its growing popularity suggests it might become a major fitness trend. As more courts open and more people play, debates over whether pickleball is a “real” sport will likely continue. But for many, it offers a simple and fun way to stay active.
News in Brief: Pickleball criticism in India
Pickleball is quickly spreading across India, sparking both love and criticism online. Many see it as an easy, social game, while others think it lacks challenge. With stars like Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma playing it, pickleball’s growth shows no signs of slowing down.
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