Dink & Donate Pickleball Autism Inclusion: On an August afternoon at Ballygunge Arena in Kolkata, children with autism experienced the thrill of pickleball at Dink & Donate, a fundraiser hosted by Picklebay, India’s first pickleball platform, with the India Autism Center (IAC). The event raised Rs 8 lakh for autism awareness, research, and inclusive facilities. But its biggest success was the joy it gave the children and their families.
First Experiences on the Court
For 14-year-old Hassaan Shoeb, this was his first time being invited to play a sport formally. His mother, Shireen Alam, described how his shyness disappeared once he started. “He didn’t even look at me,” she said. “Once he was there, he was just playing and enjoying himself.”
She noted the way coaches encouraged independence. “The teacher wasn’t holding his hands to play for him, but enabling him to play by himself. That gave him the confidence to try.” Watching him smile, jump, and chase balls filled her with “a feeling of overwhelming joy where your child is accepted and not judged.”
A Sense of Achievement
Sixteen-year-old Om Arora also joined the session. Though he had played other sports before, pickleball was new to him. His mother, Priyanka Arora, felt proud as he connected with every shot. “After such a long time, he was playing a game in this way,” she said.
Receiving a certificate meant a lot to him. “He was so excited to show everyone. For him, being appreciated means a lot.” Before leaving, Om told the organisers he would be ready to play again whenever they called. Priyanka described this moment as “priceless.”
More Than Physical Activity
Parents highlighted how sport offers more than exercise. It builds coordination, channels energy, and helps form friendships. Shireen explained, “These children have difficulties making friends. When you play with someone, you connect, sometimes without realising it. It’s teamwork, waiting your turn, relating to another person.”
Priyanka agreed, saying such chances help children “grow more easily” and make it “easier for us as parents to support them.”
Making Inclusion Possible
At Dink & Donate, every child had a coach to guide them, and games were adapted for comfort. For India Autism Center CEO Jaishankar Natarajan, this was vital. “Sports like pickleball play a crucial role in building an inclusive community — on and off the court,” he said.
Former Fed Cup player and director of The Tennis Tree, Shivika Burman, added, “a beautiful reminder that by coming together, we create spaces where every individual with a disability can thrive.”
The Need for More Opportunities
Priyanka stressed the importance of such events. “Children need these platforms so they can grow, and so it becomes easier for us to help them.” Shireen shared her hope to make pickleball part of Hassaan’s routine, though she admitted finding partners at his level may be tough.
Both parents agreed that not every child connects with the same sport, but inclusive activities — from sports to art and yoga — are valuable. Om’s routine of sports, yoga, and art helps him stay focused and calm. For Hassaan, pickleball could open similar doors.
Beyond One Event
Picklebay founder Siddhant Jatia reflected on the event’s success. “Pickleball builds community, connection, and joy — and those are powerful tools in creating inclusive spaces,” he said.
As the games ended, children proudly waved certificates, parents smiled, and strangers became friends. The event showed that inclusion is not just a goal to talk about, but a reality that can be lived.
News in Brief: Dink & Donate Pickleball Autism Inclusion
Picklebay and India Autism Center hosted Dink & Donate in Kolkata, raising Rs 8 lakh for autism support. Children with autism played pickleball with coaches, gaining confidence and joy. Parents said the event built social skills and acceptance. Leaders called it a model for creating inclusive communities through sport.