Monday, October 6, 2025

How Pickleball Is Uniting India’s Urbanites—The Sport Turning Strangers Into Friends

Pickleball Social Networking India: Pickleball is quickly becoming a popular way for people in India to socialize, network, and build friendships. Players of all ages are drawn to the sport in cities like Noida and Pune, where courts are growing in number. The game’s easy learning curve and social environment make it appealing to beginners and seasoned players alike.

A Social Game for Everyone

For many, pickleball is more than just sport. Anurag Malhotra, a 32-year-old HR professional from Pune, says, “It’s really expanded my social circle. Earlier, I mostly interacted within my usual work and family circles. But this game connected me with so many new people.”

Abhishek De, a 32-year-old media professional, shares his experience in Noida: “I initially started playing on a badminton court as there were no dedicated courts in Noida back then. In two years, the whole scene has changed, and there are over 15 courts in Noida alone.” Players enjoy early morning sessions, shared meals, and laughter between games.

Why Pickleball Is Growing

Ruchin Lakhani, co-founder of The Pickle Point in Pune, says, “The game’s rise in India today comes from a mix of timing and accessibility.” The sport allows players to rally almost immediately, unlike tennis, which takes months to master.

Ashish Khanna, co-founder of Pickleball World Ranking, adds, “Pickleball is easy to learn, less physically intimidating, and incredibly inclusive—kids, parents, and even grandparents can all play on the same court.” Celebrities and athletes embracing the game have also increased its popularity in urban communities.

Community and Networking

Pickleball naturally creates social bonds. Lakhani explains, “Across cities, people come not just to play but to connect, laugh, and share stories. Doubles pairings create instant bonds, and strangers often leave the court as friends.” Smaller courts make conversations easier, fostering inclusivity.

Khanna compares pickleball to a modern coffee shop for networking: “CEOs are playing alongside college students, doctors alongside designers. The game has a way of levelling hierarchy—everyone’s just a player with a paddle.”

Beyond the Court

Pickleball is becoming a lifestyle, with custom paddles, apparel, and social events linked to the sport. Lakhani says, “The explosion of custom paddles, stylish apparel, and pickleball-inspired accessories shows that people don’t just want to play the sport, they want to belong to its culture.”

Dr. Divya Shree K R, consultant psychiatrist at Aster CMI Hospital, Bengaluru, notes that pickleball satisfies psychological needs: “When people play, they’re not just focused on scoring points; they’re laughing, cheering, and encouraging one another. These shared micro-moments of joy and support activate feelings of belonging and trust.”

The game brings people together, creates community, and offers a healthy, social way to spend time. Adults form friendships, weekend rituals, and even travel plans through the sport. For many, pickleball is not just a game—it is a source of connection and joy.

News in Brief: Pickleball Social Networking India

Pickleball is growing rapidly in India, becoming a social and networking hub. Cities like Noida and Pune now host multiple courts, drawing players of all ages. Experts say the sport fosters friendships, inclusivity, and community, with lifestyle elements like apparel, events, and social gatherings extending the game beyond the court.

ALSO READ: Arena One Open: Kolkata Gears Up for India’s Biggest Pickleball Showdown and Rs 3.5 Lakh Prize

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Recent