Pickleball is Breaking Barriers and Winning Hearts: Pickleball, the sport that’s taken the world by storm, has now made its way to India, bringing with it the same energy and excitement that’s captivated fans internationally. From attracting former tennis stars like Andre Agassi and John McEnroe to pulling in Bollywood icons, the sport’s recent world-ranking pickleball tournament at RK Khanna Tennis Academy in New Delhi signals its rise in India. Even Novak Djokovic, who once suggested that pickleball might rival tennis, was spotted playing at an exhibition event before the 2023 US Open, further fueling the sport’s momentum.
India’s Youth Embracing Pickleball
At the heart of pickleball’s rapid growth lies its accessibility. Unlike sports that require years of training, pickleball offers a low barrier to entry, making it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels.
The game resonates particularly well with those familiar with tennis or table tennis, as it combines elements of both. Young Indian players are catching on quickly, like Rutvick, who was thrilled by the new game introduced in his community.
“I liked it in my society. They started a new game. I went and saw it and loved it.” – (Rutvick)
Fellow player Kruti, a tennis fan, shared, “When I saw this new game, I was excited to play. So, I got a chance to play this in my academy.” These stories reflect pickleball’s grassroots appeal as it attracts new players every day.
How Pickleball Pioneers Sparked India’s Love for the Game
The spread of pickleball in India wasn’t easy initially. Pioneers like Sunil Valavalkar and Manish Rao faced challenges introducing it to a new audience. But the game’s simple learning curve, combined with a strong social aspect and low physical impact, has attracted urban India’s attention, drawing players of all ages.
Ajit Pal Singh, a software engineer from Noida, discovered pickleball through an Instagram reel, intrigued by its similarities to tennis and badminton. He quickly became a regular at a popular pickleball center in Noida, introducing friends to the game along the way.
COVID-19 Turned Pickleball into a Social Fitness Phenomenon
Unexpectedly, the COVID-19 pandemic became a catalyst for pickleball’s popularity. As people looked for ways to stay active and social while maintaining distance, pickleball, with its easy setup, filled the gap. Courts began appearing in unconventional spots—from alleys to parking lots—and its popularity surged.
In the United States, tennis courts were converted to pickleball courts, creating even more playing opportunities. The same phenomenon echoed in India post-pandemic, with the sport seeing an increase of investment and new pickleball facilities.
In August 2024, India hosted a tournament boasting a USD 100,000 prize pool, marking a major milestone for pickleball’s growth in the country. Additionally, an Indian Premier League-styled pickleball league is expected to launch by early 2025, bringing even more competitive excitement and media attention to this sport.
News in Brief: Pickleball is Breaking Barriers and Winning Hearts
Pickleball, a sport blending elements of tennis and table tennis, has officially arrived in India, drawing attention with its first world-ranking tournament in New Delhi. Players of all ages, including Bollywood stars and sports icons, are joining the movement, with the pandemic further boosting its popularity across urban India.
With high-profile tournaments, significant prize money, and a potential pickleball league on the horizon, pickleball is shaping up to be India’s next big sporting sensation.
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