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India Gazette
2 days ago
- Sport
- India Gazette
Team India set for Asian Junior Pickleball Championship in Vietnam
New Delhi [India], July 13 (ANI): The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) announced the Indian Junior Pickleball team to compete at the Asian Junior Pickleball Championship, scheduled to be held in Vietnam from July 13 to 16, 2025. Comprising 32 promising young athletes, the Indian contingent will participate across Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18 categories, marking another major step in India's rapid ascent in international pickleball. Following an impressive showing at the previous edition of the championship, where Indian juniors clinched multiple medals, this year's team enters with high hopes and a stronger sense of purpose. The squad includes athletes from across the nation, including Haryana, Punjab, Maharashtra, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Bihar -- a reflection of how the sport has flourished at the grassroots level in every corner of the country. To honour the spirit and commitment of these young athletes, AIPA organised a grand flag-off ceremony. The event was graced by Rahul Vira, CEO of Skechers, alongside Sunil Valavalkar, who introduced the sport of pickleball to India in 2007, as the Chief Guest, and former Indian cricketer Pravin Amre. Also in attendance was Mandira Bedi, AIPA's Pickleball Brand Ambassador, whose presence and words of encouragement ignited excitement and pride among the players. The Indian squad includes standout talents such as Arav Surve and Arnav Khamkar in the Under-12 Boys, Adiya Vinod in the Under-12 Girls, Aarish Aga Chaubey and Aaradhya Satpute in the Under-14 categories, and several formidable contenders in the Under-16 and Under-18 divisions like Jigar Vishwakarma, Shreyas Rajaram, Avya Nandargame, Parth Vijayvargiya, Anjali Pol, and Aditya Gupta -- all ready to give their best on the Asian stage. Speaking at the ceremony, AIPA president Arvind Prabhoo expressed immense pride in the team's preparation and commitment. 'Our junior players have shown remarkable resilience, discipline, and passion. Their selection and participation in this championship reflect AIPA's growing focus on building a strong talent pipeline and putting India on the global pickleball map,' he said. 'We are confident they will carry forward our legacy with courage and grace.' Sunil Valavalkar Aipa, Founder and Senior Vice President of AIPA, also addressed the gathering, underscoring the mission behind AIPA's continued grassroots efforts. 'We have always believed that the future of Indian pickleball lies in its youth. These young athletes represent not just talent, but also the dreams of millions who are discovering this sport across the country. I'm proud of how far we've come -- and even prouder of where this new generation will take us,' he stated. Over the past few years, AIPA has played a pivotal role in popularising pickleball across India, conducting numerous national and international events, including the prestigious World Pickleball Championship Series held in Mumbai in 2024, where India clinched 28 medals, including 11 golds. Through year-round training, talent scouting, and developmental programs, AIPA is shaping a new generation of champions who can proudly represent the tricolour at the highest levels. As Team India departs for Vietnam, the nation watches with anticipation and pride, united in cheering for its young pickleball stars aiming to bring home glory. (ANI)
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Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Business Standard
A good racket: How India is courting Pickleball, 'game of the people'
Rihanna Anand, a homemaker who lives in New Delhi, calls Pickleball her '3F formula for fitness, friends, and fun.' The quirky lovechild of tennis, badminton and table tennis is the fastest-growing sport in India. At gated societies and corporate campuses to schools and weekend turf courts, the game is sweeping the country. 'I'm no athlete but I can smash it on court. Every morning at 8 sharp, you'll find me and my Vasant Vihar gang swinging paddles and laughing our way through doubles,' says Anand, 35, referring to a tony neighbourhood in South Delhi. Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington state, United States (US), as a backyard game for families. It's played on a badminton-like court with a 34-inch net over which players smack a perforated plastic ball with paddles. The rules are easy, the rallies fast and injuries rare. 'It's the perfect mix of fitness, fun, and inclusivity. Pickleball isn't just for the young or the athletic but it's for everyone,' says Gaurav Khanna, India's head coach for para badminton. He is putting up Pickleball courts at his upcoming coaching institute in Lucknow. 'Pickleball's compact court —similar in size to badminton — makes it incredibly easy to set up almost anywhere. It's simple to learn, gentle on the joints and appeals to all age groups, which is why it's catching on so quickly. 'The sport sharpens reflexes, boosts coordination and enhances overall fitness without overwhelming the body. It's a fun, low-barrier way to keep people active and engaged.' Niche to nationwide India's love affair with Pickleball has been sudden and staggering. There are more than 500,000 active players, at least 1,000 courts and weekly tournaments in multiple cities. Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bengaluru have become hotspots where housing societies repurpose badminton courts and startups offer 'pay-and-play' models. Sunil Valavalkar, the founder of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), says the sport is 'catching fire' because it's democratic and is not elitist. 'It's a game of the people.' Valavalkar, who brought the sport to India in 2008, believes Pickleball can change how Indians regard sport. 'A survey revealed that only 10 out of 100 Indians actively engage in sports or physical activities, compared to 60 per 100 citizens in the US and Europe. The gender disparity is concerning, with only one woman participating out of those 10 active individuals. Pickleball can change this narrative. 'Unlike traditional sports that are costly, space-intensive, and injury-prone, Pickleball is adaptable, non-tech, and gentle on the body. It's a social sport that welcomes everyone, fostering community bonds and providing comprehensive fitness.' Businessman Siddhant Jatia founded Picklebay, a startup that organises Pickleball training and matches for companies and communities. 'There was interest in the sport but no infrastructure, passion but no process,' he says. Jatia says he recognised it's a sport with mass appeal, low-entry barriers and the scope to build communities. The 'rare convergence' needed structure and strategy for growth. 'We're laying the foundation for India's Pickleball movement — not just with tournaments, but with a tech-first, ecosystem-driven approach that brings together infrastructure, training, and community in one platform,' says Jatia. Picklebay is in talks with real estate developers, hospitality companies and schools to put up courts for 'entire neighbourhoods'. 'We don't stop at the physical — we're also building the operational layer: coaching programmes for corporates, tournament formats and tech systems that make these assets truly come alive.' Picklebay's Corporate Masterclasses are designed as 'immersive, team-building experiences' that blend sport with leadership and collaboration. 'Our ambition is to help India move from having a few courts to being a Pickleball nation where the sport becomes a meaningful part of how people live, connect, and stay active,' says Jatia, who lives in Kolkata. Separately, World Pickleball League (WPBL) has added celebrity sheen to the sport. Gaurav Natekar, former India top-ranked tennis player, founded the league that's backed by actor-couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh. It will start city franchises like Pune United this year as 'a cultural moment in Indian sport', says Natekar. With funding from startups, brand partnerships and grassroots training, the sport has commercial potential. According to its fans, India could have 1 million players and 3,000 courts by 2028. ITC's Bingo!, Selkirk Sport and Franklin Balls are jumping into the fray. Kavita Chaturvedi, chief operating officer for snacks business at ITC Foods, says: 'Our association with AIPA stems from a shared vision to nurture emerging sports and empower young talent across India. Through this partnership, we aim to build a strong foundation for Pickleball by investing in grassroots programmes, organizing college tournaments across 23 states, and driving national-level engagement.' Pickleball's appeal It's ideal for older adults, beginners, or those recovering from injury The doubles format makes it inherently social Fast rallies enhance reflexes and cognitive function Companies are using it for employee engagement 'Pickleball allows women and men to play together as equals — something we need more of,' says Valavalkar. There are challenges: Confusion over governing bodies, the risk of over-commercialisation and infrastructural lag. To get started, players need a few essentials. Paddles cost Rs 1,000 for beginner models to over Rs 35,000 for premium brands like JOOLA and Selkirk. Balls cost Rs 200-1,500 per set, depending on indoor or outdoor use. Nets are priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000. Court shoes of brands like Asics or Yonex fall in the Rs 3,000-10,000 range. Accessories such as bags, grips, and training aids can add Rs 200 to Rs 50,000 to your gear kit bill. Expect to spend Rs 9,000 to Rs 75,000, depending on equipment quality.
NDTV
10-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Indian Athletes Shine At World Pickleball Championship
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) proudly announces the remarkable success of Indian athletes at the 2025 World Pickleball Championship Korea, held from 5th to 8th June at the Seogwipo Tennis Center, Jeju-do. The prestigious Tier 3 tournament, organised by Pickleball Global, saw over 230 top-tier players from across Asia-including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, and Singapore-compete for top honors. In a standout performance, Kuldip Mahajan stole the spotlight by securing two Gold Medals-in the Men's Doubles 19+ category with Ryan Iam from Hong Kong, and in the Mixed Doubles 19+ category with Vrushali Thakare. India's winning streak continued with Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma bagging a Silver Medal in Men's Singles 19+, while Vrushali Thakare added another Silver to her tally in the Women's Doubles 19+ category alongside Angie Bong from Indonesia. Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, expressed, "It is truly heartening to witness our athletes rise to the occasion and deliver such world-class performances on an international stage. These victories are not just medals-they are milestones in India's growing stature in the global pickleball community. We are proud of our champions who continue to put Indian pickleball on the world map with grit, grace, and excellence." This milestone at the WPC Korea 2025 underscores India's increasing dominance and competitive edge in international pickleball. With consistent wins and a growing talent pool, AIPA remains committed to nurturing champions and building a robust ecosystem that can compete at the highest levels across the globe. Listen to the latest songs, only on
India Gazette
09-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
AIPA athletes shine at World Pickleball Championship in South Korea
Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], June 9 (ANI): The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) announces the remarkable success of Indian athletes at the 2025 World Pickleball Championship Korea, held from June 5-8 at the Seogwipo Tennis Centre, Jeju-do. The prestigious Tier 3 tournament, organised by Pickleball Global, saw over 230 top-tier players from across Asia--including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, and Singapore--compete for top honours, as per a press release from AIPA. In a standout performance, Kuldip Mahajan stole the spotlight by securing two Gold Medals--in the Men's Doubles 19-plus category with Ryan Iam from Hong Kong, and in the Mixed Doubles 19-plus category with Vrushali Thakare. India's winning streak continued with Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma bagging a Silver Medal in Men's Singles 19-plus, while Vrushali Thakare added another Silver to her tally in the Women's Doubles 19-plus category alongside Angie Bong from Indonesia. In a press release by AIPA, Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, said, 'It is truly heartening to witness our athletes rise to the occasion and deliver such world-class performances on an international stage. These victories are not just medals--they are milestones in India's growing stature in the global pickleball community. We are proud of our champions who continue to put Indian pickleball on the world map with grit, grace, and excellence.' (ANI)
