Has India’s Apex Body for Pickleball Received Official Government Recognition?
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Synopsis
The Indian Pickleball Association has received formal recognition from the Government of India, allowing it to lead the way in promoting pickleball. This significant milestone sets the stage for a vibrant future in the sport, aiming to establish an extensive network of players and opportunities throughout the nation.
Key Takeaways
- The Indian Pickleball Association is now the official governing body for pickleball in India.
- This recognition is a vital step in promoting and developing the sport nationwide.
- IPA aims to establish a network of 100,000 active players across various age groups.
- The association will focus on youth development programs and professional training.
- IPA is committed to ensuring India competes globally in pickleball.
New Delhi, May 1 (NationPress) — The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has officially been acknowledged by the Government of India through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports to serve as the national sports federation for pickleball in the nation. This significant recognition empowers the IPA to oversee, advance, and cultivate pickleball throughout the country. This pivotal acknowledgment establishes IPA as the exclusive governing body for the sport in India and signifies a crucial moment in its journey on both national and international fronts.
With diligent groundwork laid by IPA's members and a rapidly expanding community, the IPA is poised to embark on the next phase: creating a comprehensive ecosystem for access, excellence, and opportunity. This will involve integrating pickleball into schools, communities, and elite training programs while preparing Indian athletes for the global arena.
The vision of the Indian Pickleball Association is to foster a dynamic and inclusive sports environment based on essential pillars: aiming for 100,000 active registered players participating in events and national competitions across age groups. A thorough grassroots development initiative and the establishment of additional National High-Performance Centres for elite training are also key components of the program.
Prioritizing youth player development, training, officiating, and professional pathways, the association is actively promoting the introduction of pickleball in schools, aligning with initiatives like the Khelo India Women’s Pickleball Cup expansion, advocating for gender inclusion, and organizing international coaching conferences to facilitate knowledge sharing and nationwide certification programs for referees and coaches—thus generating employment and structure.
The impact of the IPA is evidenced by the IPA Nationals scheduled for January 2025 at Bennett University, Greater Noida, anticipated to host over 500 players from more than 20 Indian states. This tournament will feature 14 international-standard courts, highlighting the increasing competitive standards in India.
The previous IPA-sanctioned PWR DUPR India Masters 2024 at DLTA Stadium, New Delhi, attracted global attention to Indian pickleball, drawing players from around the world. The IPA has also conducted clinics and coaching programs in India led by APP World #1 Megan Fudge DeHeart and APP World #5 Ryler DeHeart—demonstrating its dedication to bringing top-tier global expertise to India.
“This recognition is a historic milestone — but more importantly, it serves as a mandate to act,” stated Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of IPA. “We are devoted to establishing a world-class framework for pickleball in India. Our mission is clear: talent identification, equitable access, professional training, and global competitiveness—aiming for medals for India at both junior and professional levels on the world stage.”
He further remarked, “The current IPA team possesses extensive experience—from organizing numerous state and national-level pickleball events to running coach certification programs and junior development academies. Many of us have represented India globally—at the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games—as players, coaches, and administrators. This collective expertise is a tremendous asset for the growth of pickleball in India. Together, we are dedicated to making pickleball one of the most popular sports in the country.
Point of View
I believe this recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association marks a significant turning point for sports in India. It reflects the growing interest in pickleball and the commitment of its governing body to foster talent and inclusivity. This initiative will not only enhance the sporting infrastructure but also inspire a new generation of athletes. The nation should rally behind this movement to ensure its success on a global platform.
NationPress
02/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Indian Pickleball Association?
The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) is the officially recognized national governing body for pickleball in India, responsible for promoting and developing the sport across the country.
What does the recognition by the Government of India mean for pickleball?
This recognition empowers the IPA to oversee the governance of pickleball, ensuring its growth, promotion, and development at all levels within the country.
What initiatives will IPA undertake after this recognition?
The IPA plans to develop a nationwide ecosystem for pickleball by integrating it into schools, establishing training programs, and preparing athletes for international competitions.
How many players does IPA aim to register?
The IPA envisions registering 100,000 active players participating in events and national-level competitions across various age groups.
What events has IPA organized in the past?
The IPA has hosted several significant events, including the PWR DUPR India Masters 2024 and upcoming IPA Nationals, showcasing the rising standards of competition in India.
