Pickleball Association Pushes for NSF Status: The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has officially sought recognition as a National Sports Federation (NSF) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This move follows the successful hosting of the first World Pickleball Championship from November 12-17, which drew 650 participants from countries such as Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore. AIPA chief Arvind Prabhoo highlighted this milestone as a pivotal step toward advancing the sport in India.
Path to NSF Recognition
Prabhoo confirmed that AIPA submitted the necessary paperwork two months ago. While non-Olympic sports face unique challenges, he expressed optimism about securing recognition.
“AIPA submitted the paperwork for recognition to the ministry two months back. One of the hurdles we were facing was that because it was not an Olympic sport, there were challenges.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
AIPA is also lobbying for pickleball to be included in the Olympics.
“We are now pushing for Olympic status for pickleball and, hopefully, in the coming years, it will become an Olympic sport and we are all geared up for that. We are awaiting their (ministry’s) response to recognise us as a (national) federation.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
Developing Future Olympians
AIPA has begun grooming young talent with an eye on the sport’s potential inclusion in future Olympic Games. Prabhoo believes pickleball could debut in the 2032 Olympics, giving India eight years to prepare.
“AIPA has already started preparing youngsters for the Olympics. We feel that if not in 2028 (Los Angeles), definitely in 2032 Olympics, pickleball will be incorporated, which gives us eight years.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
Training programs are already in place to ensure that Indian athletes are ready to compete at the highest level when the opportunity arises.
“We have started working on the under-14 kids. We’ve sent them for events to Vietnam where they played very well. We have started putting our youth into training programmes to ensure that whenever the sport becomes a part of the Olympics, an Indian will win a medal.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
Growing Accessibility and Popularity
Affordability has been another factor driving pickleball’s rapid growth in India.
“Pickleball, in the earlier stages in India, was not affordable because the equipment used to come from the USA, China or Europe. In 2020, an Indian company started manufacturing the paddles, which used to cost Rs 10,000. They started selling it for Rs 2,000. The pickleball, which used to cost Rs 300, now costs Rs 120 in bulk.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
With lower equipment costs and minimal space requirements, pickleball is emerging as a strong competitor to tennis and badminton. Sponsorship and grassroots development have also bolstered the sport’s expansion.
“AIPA is (present) in 23 states. We have a very structured organisation. Every state body is taking care of development.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
He added that the sport’s physical accessibility and recreational appeal are key reasons for its growing popularity.
“Pickleball is very easy on the body, physically it is less demanding. It’s a recreational game, it’s a lifestyle game – it’s a game for the new age and that is why it is picking up so well in India and the rest of the world.” – (Arvind Prabhoo)
News in Brief: Pickleball Association Pushes for NSF Status
The All India Pickleball Association has sought National Sports Federation (NSF) recognition from the Ministry of Sports after hosting the first World Pickleball Championship.
AIPA chief Arvind Prabhoo shared plans to prepare young Indian athletes for the Olympics, aiming for the sport’s inclusion by 2032. With affordability improving and growing sponsorships, pickleball is gaining popularity as an accessible and recreational sport across India.
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