Indian Pickleball Association National Expansion: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has launched a major growth drive after being recognised as the official National Sports Federation (NSF) in April 2025. In less than four months, the IPA has organised over 100 tournaments, introduced a national ranking system, and set up academies and centres of excellence across India.
Expanding Across the Country
The IPA is strengthening state-level bodies to organise more tournaments, improve facilities, and create district associations. These efforts aim to take pickleball beyond major cities and have shown strong results in regions like Nagaland, Assam, and Jammu and Kashmir, where player participation has risen sharply.
School Integration and Professional Development
To reach younger players, the IPA is working to add pickleball to the CBSE school curriculum. This step will promote fitness, teamwork, and a wider sports culture among students.
A new certification program for coaches and referees is also being developed. This will ensure consistent training and officiating standards, raise the sport’s professionalism, and create job opportunities within the sports sector.
Major Upcoming Events
The first Pickleball Nationals in Bengaluru since the NSF recognition will be held soon. This event will feature the country’s top players and act as a qualifier for international competitions.
India’s first official national pickleball team has also been announced. The team will represent the country at the Pickleball World Cup in Florida this year, marking India’s debut on the global stage under the IPA banner.
Leadership Vision
“The recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has given us the mandate and the momentum to transform the landscape of pickleball in India truly,” said Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the IPA.
“We are dedicated to building a world-class sporting structure, from the grassroots to the elite level. Our holistic approach — focusing on tournaments, academies, educational integration, and professional certification programs — will ensure the sustained growth and success of pickleball. We are confident that India will soon be a force to be reckoned with on the international circuit,” he concluded.
Looking Ahead
The IPA’s rapid expansion is expected to grow pickleball’s popularity across India, create pathways for professional athletes, and position the country as a competitive force in the sport worldwide.
News in Brief: Indian Pickleball Association National Expansion
The Indian Pickleball Association has accelerated the sport’s growth after gaining NSF status in April 2025. With over 100 tournaments, new academies, school integration plans, and India’s first national team set for the World Cup, pickleball is expanding rapidly across the country and entering the global stage.