Actor and Chennai Super Champs co-owner Samantha Ruth Prabhu has lauded the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) for its dedication to promoting pickleball growth nationwide. On February 9, 2026, she expressed her appreciation on Instagram, highlighting AIPA’s consistent efforts in developing the sport, supporting professional players, and strengthening the pickleball infrastructure throughout India.
AIPA’s Role in Boosting Grassroots Development and Professional Play
Samantha emphasized the critical role AIPA has played in the sport’s rapid rise across the country, crediting the association’s commitment to fostering talent at the grassroots level while creating robust professional pathways for athletes. Her endorsement coincided with the Chennai Super Champs, her co-owned team, finishing as runners-up in the World Pickleball League (WPBL) 2 finals—an important tournament backed by AIPA that showcases competitive pickleball in India.
“The rapid growth of pickleball in the country would not have been possible without the dedication and commitment of the people behind AIPA, who continue to focus on grassroots development while building professional pathways for athletes.” – Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Actor and Team Co-owner
This recognition aligns with AIPA’s vision to establish a sustainable, inclusive future for pickleball in India, with a strong focus on nurturing athletes and long-term expansion across the nation.
Exciting Finish to the World Pickleball League 2026 Final at Jio World Garden
Earlier that day, the Dilli Dillwale team claimed the WPBL 2026 championship by narrowly defeating Chennai Super Champs 3-2 in a tightly contested final held at Jio World Garden. Co-owned by cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar, Dilli Dillwale recovered after dropping the first women’s singles match to win three of the next four matches and secure the title.
Dilli Dillwale’s Max Manthou earned the Player of the Tournament award, while Katerina Stewart and Ly Hoang Nam received the Band of Honour for scoring the most points among women and men respectively throughout the competition. The final opened with a dominant women’s singles performance from Super Champs’ Rika Fujiwara, who decisively beat Alejandra Lopez 27-3 for an early lead.
The mixed doubles match became a nail-biter as Max Manthou and Trang Huynh edged out Ly Hoang Nam and Carlota Trevino 11-10. The closely fought match lasted until the very last point, demonstrating the high skill level within the league.
Significance of Pickleball’s Growth and Future Prospects in India
Pickleball’s accelerated expansion, bolstered by organizations like AIPA and increased media attention, marks a turning point for the sport in India. The involvement of renowned personalities such as Samantha Ruth Prabhu and Sunil Gavaskar adds credibility and encourages wider participation. With a focus on developing strong grassroots foundations and high-level competitions like the WPBL, pickleball is set to gain further momentum in the coming years.
This growing enthusiasm for pickleball holds promise for creating more professional opportunities for athletes and expanding India’s presence on the international pickleball stage. The dedication seen in recent tournaments and strategic efforts by associations suggests a bright future for the sport in the country.
