Indian Pickleball Association to Drive Growth, Excellence, and International Success

India’s Pickleball Landscape Transformed with IPA's Government-Endorsed Leadership

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has recently been officially recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India, as the sole governing body for pickleball in the country. This recognition is seen as a significant milestone in both the national and international growth of the sport.  The IPA, with the support of dedicated members and a rapidly expanding community, is now focusing on building a nationwide ecosystem that includes the integration of pickleball in schools, local communities, and elite training programs. In addition, the association aims to prepare Indian athletes for international competition, thus furthering the sport’s reach and impact.

Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of IPA, described this government recognition as both a historic milestone and a call to action. He emphasized the association’s commitment to building a world-class structure for pickleball in India, focusing on talent identification, equal access, professional training, and global competitiveness, with the goal of securing medals for India in both junior and professional categories. Bhullar further noted that the current IPA team brings vast experience, having organised state and national events, led coaching certification programs, and established junior academies. Many team members have represented India at prestigious global events such as the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games, which will be crucial in driving the future growth of pickleball in India.

The IPA has a clear vision for the development of the sport, aiming for 100,000 active registered players and national-level competitions across all age groups. The association is also prioritising grassroots development programs and the establishment of more National High-Performance Centres to support elite training. Youth development, including training, officiating, and professional pathways, remains at the heart of IPA's efforts.

The association is actively working on initiatives like rolling out pickleball in schools through programs such as Khelo India, expanding the Women’s Pickleball Cup to promote gender inclusion, and hosting international coaching conferences for knowledge exchange. Additionally, IPA is planning nationwide certification programs for referees and coaches, fostering job creation and creating a structured environment for the sport.

In addition to these initiatives, the IPA announced the launch of the Indian Pickleball League (IPL) in the second half of 2025, which will feature six teams and around 36 top Indian and international players. The league, first revealed in December 2024 with tennis icons Andre Agassi and Rohan Bopanna, will further solidify IPA’s commitment to elevating pickleball in India. The association’s national event, held in January 2025 at Bennett University in Greater Noida, attracted over 500 players from more than 20 states, highlighting the growing competitive standards of the sport in the country. The IPA also garnered global attention with the sanctioning of the PWR DUPR India Masters 2024 at the DLTA Stadium in New Delhi, an event covered by major media outlets such as DD National, Times Now, Zoom, and Mirror Now.

The rapid growth of pickleball in India over the past three years has been largely inspired by its success in the U.S. and fueled by the post-pandemic interest in new sports. The IPA, driven by experienced leaders and athletes, has been at the forefront of this growth. The association's executive board, comprising 14 visionary leaders, is dedicated to ensuring the integrity and continued development of the sport. Notable members include Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, Dhiren Patel, US Open Gold Medalist, and Vishnu Vardhan, Tennis Olympian, among others. With coaching and officiating leadership from experts like Dilip Mohanty and Abhishek Mukherjee, the IPA is helping to establish a strong foundation for the sport in India.

Aligned with the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), the IPA is preparing Indian athletes for international competition and positioning the country for success on the global stage. Over 20 states and union territories have already hosted state-level events, and upcoming IPA events like the Legends of Dinkers in Ahmedabad and the PicklePro Open in Hyderabad in May 2025 are set to further expand the sport's presence. With its official recognition, strong leadership, and strategic international goals, the IPA is on track to make pickleball a household name in India, propelling the country to become a global powerhouse in the sport. The IPA's recognition and its comprehensive approach to developing pickleball are key to positioning India as a leader in the sport on the global stage.

Editor’s Note:

The recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the official governing body for pickleball in India is a momentous achievement for both the sport and the country. This milestone signals a new era for pickleball, which has seen a rapid rise in popularity, and the IPA's vision for the future promises an exciting chapter ahead. With a strategic focus on youth development, grassroots initiatives, and the establishment of high-performance centres, the association is laying a solid foundation for the sport's growth across India. Moreover, the commitment to providing equal access, professional training, and creating international pathways for Indian athletes is setting the stage for India to compete globally. Through initiatives like the Indian Pickleball League and international coaching collaborations, the IPA is bringing world-class expertise to India while fostering an inclusive and competitive environment for players of all ages.

Skoobuzz witnessed pickleball evolving into a sport with widespread participation and recognition; the role of IPA in shaping this transformation cannot be overstated. The association's hard work and vision will not only place India on the map in the world of pickleball but also inspire future generations to embrace sports and physical activity.