Indian Pickleball Association hosts special meeting in New Delhi to mark official recognition as National Sports Federation on May 8, 2025. Photo: IPA
New Delhi, 8 May 2025: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) held a special meeting today in Delhi, to commemorate its official recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India. This milestone achievement signifies a pivotal moment for the sport in India, positioning pickleball at par with other major sports and opening avenues for more structured development and funding.
The event brought together IPA Board members, key stakeholders, and representatives from multiple states and union territories, with Presidents and General Secretaries from more than 25 states attending this historic gathering in the national capital. The objective of the meeting was to outline IPA’s strategic roadmap for the development and promotion of pickleball across India.
Every state body representative spoke about the development and growth of Pickleball in their respective states. The plan is to hold more than 100 events in the year in different states across all age groups in Men’s and Women’s with officially launching the Indian Pickleball Ranking structure across all age groups.
IPA along with its state bodies, is set to revolutionise the sport in India by establishing a structured, inclusive, and professionally managed ecosystem that fosters talent development and drives competitive engagement. The IPA aims to ensure nationwide participation and grassroots growth. Additionally, the association is gearing up to host India’s first official Nationals under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, bringing together 1000+ players from over 25 states in both individual and team formats.
To further elevate the sport, the IPA is partnering with the Times Group to launch a flagship league with Indian and international players. It will also conduct a high-stakes Masters tournament with all the top-ranked players at the end of the year to crown the best players of the season.
Beyond domestic initiatives, the IPA is also engaging with global organisations to position India as a significant player on the international stage, including efforts to host the first Official Asia Cup and pursue Olympic recognition through the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). Through academy accreditation, technical training for coaches and referees, and institutional integration via Khelo India and school networks, the IPA is committed to creating a robust and sustainable pickleball ecosystem in India.
IPA is aligned with the international vision for Olympic inclusion and is actively working to prepare Indian athletes for elite global competition. Currently, several states and union territories have hosted state-level pickleball events, engaging juniors, professionals, and seniors as part of the buildup to the national championships. IPA’s immediate focus is on establishing robust talent identification programs, hosting regular competitive events, and implementing a comprehensive ranking system to elevate the quality of play nationwide.
IPA Events in May 2025:
Legends of Dinkers, Ahmedabad, Gujarat – 1 May 2025
PicklePro Open, Hyderabad, Telangana – 3-4 May 2025
Pickleball Palooza, Jaipur, Rajasthan – 3 May 2025
Smash & Rise Pickleball Tournament, Srinagar, J&K – 4 May 2025
RAPA – PWR 100, New Delhi, Delhi – 24-25 May 2025
Quote from Mr. Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, IPA:
“The official recognition as a National Sports Federation is a historic milestone, but it is also a call to action. I am proud to be part of the visionary team of athletes, sports person, coaches, officials , business heads & sports administrators team from all over India. We all are committed to establishing a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India, focusing on talent identification, equitable access, professional training, and global competitiveness. Our mission is to win medals for India at the junior and pro levels on the international stage. With the expertise of our leadership and the passion of our community, we aim to make pickleball a household name and position India as a global powerhouse in the sport.”
Quote from Mr. Aalap Sharma, Treasurer, IPA:
“The landmark decision by MYAS to recognize IPA as National Sports Federation is the beginning of a revolution in Pickleball. Our goal is to make India a Pickleball hub of the world. We are committed to building a strong financial foundation that supports the development of facilities, training programs, youth engagement, and tournament expansion. By fostering partnerships and encouraging inclusive participation, we will elevate pickleball to new heights, making it accessible, competitive, and thriving for generations to come.”
In addition to its immediate plans, IPA is also working on several long-term initiatives to ensure the sustainable growth of pickleball across the country. These include infrastructure development projects in collaboration with local governments, the launch of coaching certification programs, and the establishment of pickleball academies in major cities. Furthermore, IPA plans to introduce a structured league system to foster competitive play and provide a pathway for players to transition from amateur to professional ranks.
With strong leadership, a global vision, and support from partners, the Indian Pickleball Association is poised to usher in a new era of sports in India—one that champions inclusion, excellence, and opportunities for all. The recognition as an NSF will not only provide IPA with greater resources to execute its vision but also pave the way for pickleball to gain greater visibility and popularity among the Indian public.
India’s Time is Now.
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