Inside the battle for pickleball: Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo calls for national recognition

India Today

14-05-2025

Pickleball, a sport still finding its footing in India, has become the center of a dispute after the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) granted national federation status to the newly formed Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). The decision, made on April 25, gives IPA the authority to regulate and promote the sport nationwide, alongside financial backing. However, this has sparked protests from the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which has been at the forefront of pickleball's growth in India for nearly two decades.advertisementEstablished in 2007, AIPA has a deep-rooted presence in 24 states and believes its long-standing contributions to the sport should have earned it the coveted NSF status. The decision to award this recognition to IPA, formed in November 2024 and with only a few months of history, has raised questions of fairness and transparency.AIPA argues that MYAS's recognition of IPA undermines years of work and dedication to the sport's development. AIPA insists it has laid a solid foundation and, with its track record, should have been the rightful recipient of the recognition.AIPA'S CONCERNS ABOUT FAIRNESS AND DUE PROCESS
In an exclusive conversation with Indiatoday.in, AIPA President Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo expressed his dissatisfaction with the MYAS decision, describing the recognition of IPA as both premature and unjust. According to Prabhoo, AIPA has laid a solid foundation for the sport in India and should have been acknowledged for its consistent, long-term efforts.advertisement"AIPA was established in 2008, and over the years, we have worked tirelessly to introduce, nurture, and expand pickleball across India," Prabhoo explained. "We are actively involved in 24 states through our grassroots programs and have been affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) since 2015. We have also been a founding member of the Asia Federation of Pickleball since 2020. Yet despite all this, the recognition went to IPA, a body formed just in November 2024 with little history or substantial contributions to the sport," he added, raising concerns about the process behind the decision.Prabhoo also pointed to a critical timeline issue, noting that AIPA had submitted its own application for national federation status months before IPA was even established. "On October 18, 2024, AIPA officially applied for recognition from MYAS, well before IPA was even formed. Despite this, MYAS chose to recognize IPA, disregarding the work we've done over the years. This decision undermines the National Sports Code of 2011, which stipulates that an organization must demonstrate substantial activity and longevity to be eligible for NSF status," he said.AIPA'S ROLE IN THE GROWTH OF PICKLEBALLPrabhoo went on to detail the many ways in which AIPA has been instrumental in the development of pickleball in India. The association has organized numerous national and international tournaments, developed world-class training programs, and helped countless players refine their skills for competition on the international stage.advertisement"AIPA has been key in organizing several prestigious tournaments, such as the Bainbridge Cup in December 2022, the World Pickleball Championship in 2024, and the upcoming World Pickleball League in 2025. Between 2013 and 2025, we have conducted eight National Tournaments, six National Ranking Tournaments, the Federation Cup, and the Indian Open, to name a few," Prabhoo said.Beyond tournaments, AIPA has put in place comprehensive training programs aimed at developing players' skills, physical fitness, diet, and mental conditioning. "We've also established coaching programs in various states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, producing over 100 certified coaches. These coaches are spreading the sport across India, while our referee clinics ensure that officiating is held to international standards," Prabhoo explained, underscoring AIPA's holistic approach to building the sport's infrastructure.AIPA'S IMPACT ON THE GLOBAL STAGEAIPA's efforts have not only influenced the national landscape but have also contributed significantly to the global pickleball scene. The association has been a full member of the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) since 2015 and has achieved a series of international milestones, such as hosting the World Pickleball Championship in 2024 and sending Indian teams to global competitions.advertisement"AIPA has been instrumental in sending Indian teams to the Asian Pickleball Games in 2022, 2023, and 2024, held in Taiwan, as well as the World Pickleball Championships in Bali in 2022 and 2023. Our youth teams, including those in the under-12, under-14, and under-16 categories, have participated in the Asia Junior Pickleball Championship in Vietnam, winning medals and putting India on the global map for pickleball," Prabhoo stated with pride.THE ROAD AHEAD: CHALLENGES AND HOPES FOR PICKLEBALL'S GROWTHDespite the recognition setback, AIPA remains resolute in its mission to grow the sport in India. Prabhoo acknowledged that the absence of pickleball from the Olympic roster has been a significant hurdle in securing formal recognition, but he remains hopeful that the Indian Olympic Association's (IOA) forthcoming affiliation will open the door for greater support and recognition."We have faced funding challenges, but our commitment to the sport remains unwavering," Prabhoo said. "The recognition of IPA complicates matters, as it overlooks years of grassroots development in favor of a new organization with no established track record. The key difference between AIPA and IPA is that AIPA was formed in 2008 and has built the sport from the ground up, while IPA, formed just in November 2024, has no significant infrastructure or presence."Looking ahead, AIPA is focused on long-term growth both domestically and internationally. "Our governance system is well-established, with representation in 24 states, and our international affiliations with the IPF and the Asia Federation of Pickleball are testaments to our commitment to bringing India to the world stage for pickleball," Prabhoo concluded.