Lionel Messi Sparks a Pickleball Frenzy: In months, Chennai has embraced pickleball, transforming it from a niche activity into a citywide phenomenon. Whether for fitness or fun, this dynamic sport has captured the hearts of residents and is becoming a staple on the city’s courts. But what makes pickleball so compelling, and why has it become popular?
A Sport Like No Other
Pickleball is a fascinating fusion of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, born in 1965 as a backyard pastime for children in the U.S. Today, it ranks among the fastest-growing sports globally. The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity and adaptability, allowing anyone to pick up a paddle and play with minimal learning curve.
The sport gained an unexpected boost when football icon Lionel Messi shared a video of himself playing pickleball, sparking viral interest. This exposure fueled curiosity and drove the sport’s rapid rise in cities like Chennai.
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Chennai Joins the Pickleball Revolution
The launch of Chennai’s first dedicated pickleball court, Double Dribble by Tiki Taka at Ampa Skywalk Mall, marked a turning point. Founders Prahlad and Lakshmi introduced the city to the sport, highlighting its accessibility and space efficiency.
“Pickleball gained popularity as more courts started opening in the city. Unlike sports like tennis or squash, which require a lot of strength, pickleball is much easier to pick up – one can simply grab a racket and start playing. Plus, it takes up much less space to set up a court. It’s fun, easy, and has become super popular recently.” – (Lakshmi)
As more clubs in Chennai install pickleball courts, the sport continues to gain traction. Tennis players dabbling in pickleball have amplified its visibility, attracting a broader audience.
A Sport for All but Not Without Challenges
Despite its rising popularity, pickleball’s growth hasn’t been without critics. Tennis legend Novak Djokovic expressed concern, warning that tennis could lose its dominance at clubs to more economical sports like pickleball and padel.
“Tennis is the king of racquet sports, but on a club level, it’s endangered. If we don’t act, sports like padel and pickleball will replace tennis at clubs because they’re more economical.” – (Djokovic)
“Pickleball is incredibly easy to pick up, allowing players of all skill levels to play together, unlike many other sports. However, it’s a challenging sport to master.” – (Mani Sethu)
However, players like Mani Sethu, a professional pickleball player and Tamil Nadu State Champion, champion the sport’s inclusivity. “It’s incredibly easy to start but tough to master,” says Mani, who ranks among India’s top 5 pickleball players and competes globally. For many, the sport offers a balance of accessibility and competitive challenge, making it a perfect fit for Chennai’s diverse sports community.
News in Brief: Lionel Messi Sparks a Pickleball Frenzy
Pickleball, a unique combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has quickly become a citywide sensation in Chennai. The sport’s rise was fueled by Lionel Messi’s viral video and the launch of the Double Dribble pickleball court.
Advocates highlight its accessibility and ease of learning, with tennis players boosting its popularity. Despite concerns from tennis players like Novak Djokovic, professional pickleball athletes like Mani Sethu continue to show the sport’s competitive edge and appeal.
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