Trivandrum Pickleball Open Tournament: Thiruvananthapuram hosted the Trivandrum Pickleball Open last weekend, drawing over 100 national-level players to compete for Rs 66,000 in prize money and vouchers. The world ranking 50 event featured top athletes, including Visakh V S, India No. 4 in the 35+ category, and Vineet R Nair, a semi-finalist at the Coimbatore Pickleball Open.
Rising Popularity of Pickleball in the City
Pickleball has grown rapidly in Thiruvananthapuram over the past few years. Currently, the city has about six or seven courts, with a scenic new court coming up at Golf Links, Kowdiar. Ajay Thomas, co-founder of Spinz Academy, said, “The players are from all age groups, but the above-35 crowd dominates. It’s an easier version of tennis and badminton, demanding less physical strain while offering similar health benefits. Maybe that’s why it’s becoming popular.” Spinz Academy, opened earlier this year, is one of the dedicated spaces for pickleball in the city.
From Leisure to National Representation
Visakh V S, a resident of Thiruvananthapuram and vice-president at a Hyderabad-based MNC, discovered pickleball in 2021. “Post-pandemic, I was playing at Trivandrum Tennis Club when some US players introduced it. At first it was just a leisure activity on weekends. Soon, around 50 of us were playing on makeshift courts. That led me to represent India, which gave the game a push here. TTC then built an exclusive court, and now the city has about seven, including one at Kowdiar for residents of that locality,” he said. Visakh also serves as state secretary of the Pickleball Association of Kerala.
The sport has spread across Kerala, with 25 courts now in use and projections of 40 by next year. Pickleball, originating in the US in the 1960s, blends badminton, tennis, table tennis, and squash. Visakh said, “It’s addictive. People pick it up in minutes and begin hitting flashy shots, which gives a quick sense of achievement. That keeps them coming back.”
Inclusive and Accessible Sport
Pickleball’s appeal lies in its accessibility. “Even those in their 60s can compete and win. Unlike sports demanding peak fitness in your 20s, pickleball offers longevity,” Visakh added. The Trivandrum Open saw 130 entries across categories, including participants from neighbouring states and 15–20 women. Jayamurali V, secretary of the Trivandrum District Pickleball Association, said, “It was akin to the ATP tours in tennis, and we plan to hold more such tournaments here.” Family teams, including husband-wife pairs and siblings, participated.
The sport’s popularity is rising across India, with tennis players and celebrities like Saina Nehwal, Shahid Kapoor, and Mira Kapoor trying it out. In Thiruvananthapuram, cricketer Sanju Samson plays the game, and Prince Aditya Varma has become a patron. Visakh concluded, “It won’t be long before pickleball enters schools, and maybe even the Olympics.”
News in Brief: Trivandrum Pickleball Open Tournament
Thiruvananthapuram hosted the Trivandrum Pickleball Open, a world ranking 50 event, last weekend. Over 100 players, including Visakh V S and Vineet R Nair, competed for Rs 66,000 in prizes. The sport is growing fast in Kerala, with new courts and family-friendly events. Pickleball is now played by all ages, celebrities, and national players.
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