Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a vibe — and India is catching on fast! Think of it as the lovechild of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, but way easier to play and twice as fun. Whether you’re a fitness buff, a casual player, or just looking for a good laugh with friends, pickleball’s got something for everyone.
Picture this: a smaller court, a low net, a paddle that’s not too big, not too small, and a funky plastic ball with holes. The game kicks off with an underhand serve, and before you know it, you’re in the zone — smashing, dinking (yes, that’s a real term), and hustling for that winning shot. The best part? The crowd cheering you on, from twenty-somethings fresh out of work to sprightly seniors proving age is just a number.
What’s the big deal? Well, pickleball is rapidly growing worldwide, especially in India, thanks to its affordability and accessibility. Now, it’s sliding into Indian neighbourhoods, bringing people together one serve at a time. The global market, valued at $1.3 billion in 2022, is expected to triple by 2032, attracting investments in leagues and sponsorships. Major tournaments like the India Open and Mumbai’s Monsoon League, with prize pools up to $100,000, are drawing top brands and celebrities. The pandemic gave pickleball a boost, with its easy setup making it perfect for socially distanced play. India is set to launch an IPL-style pickleball league by 2025, signalling exciting growth ahead. It’s not just a game; it’s a community. Fitness, fun, friends — pickleball’s the whole package, and trust us, this trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Pickleball Gains Momentum with AIPA’s Strategic Moves
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) is taking significant strides to promote Pickleball across India. In a move aimed at encouraging more women to embrace the sport, AIPA has appointed Mandira Bedi as its Brand Ambassador. With women currently comprising 40% of global players and growing at a faster rate than men, Mandira’s involvement is set to inspire even more female participation in this rapidly expanding sport.
In addition to fostering inclusivity, AIPA has announced an exciting five-year partnership with ITC Foods’ snacking brand, Bingo! This collaboration is a major boost for the sport’s visibility in India. The partnership will kick off with the prestigious World Pickleball Championship (WPC), where Bingo! will proudly take on the title sponsorship role.
With these initiatives, AIPA is not only growing the sport’s reach but also laying a strong foundation for Pickleball’s future in India.
From Backyard Fun to a Global Craze: The Pickleball Journey
- 1965: Born out of boredom, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell turned ping-pong paddles and a plastic ball into a backyard sensation. “Pickleball” was named by Joanne Pritchard, inspired by “pickle boat,” a rowing term for a team of mixed leftovers—just like the game’s blend of elements.
- 1972: The sport got official protection as its popularity began to grow.
- 1984: The USAPA was formed, giving pickleball its first official rulebook.
- 1990: Pickleball conquered the U.S., played in all 50 states.
- 2009: The first USAPA National Tournament drew hundreds, cementing its competitive appeal.
- 2015: Membership exploded past 10,000 as pickleball became a household name.
- 2021: Declared America’s fastest-growing sport, with 53,000 members and a passionate fanbase.
- 2023: The craze reached 8.9 million players, proving this quirky game is no passing fad.
From quirky invention to the sport of the future—pickleball is here to stay!
Pickleball Rules Made Easy
- Serve: Underhand, below the waist, and diagonally across the court. Only one serve attempt allowed (except on a “let”).
- First Shot: Both teams must play their first shot off the bounce.
- Volleying: After the bounce, teams can either volley or play off the bounce. No volleying within the 7-foot non-volley zone.
- Scoring: Points can only be scored by the serving team. Games are to 11 points, with a 2-point lead required to win.
- Faults: Lost points for hitting out of bounds, into the net, or violating the non-volley zone.
Double Bounce Rule:
- The receiving team must let the serve bounce, and the serving team must let the return bounce before playing it.
Double Play:
- Fault by Receiving Team: Serving team scores a point.
- Fault by Serving Team: After the first fault, the same player continues serving; after the second fault, the serve switches to the other team.
- Switch Courts: Players switch courts only after scoring.
Follow these simple rules and have fun on the court!
A Future of Possibilities
Pickleball is set to revolutionise sports in India by combining fitness, fun, and competition, while fostering an inclusive community. With the upcoming World Pickleball League (WPBL), the sport is reaching new heights. Slated for an early 2025 debut, WPBL has already attracted big names like actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu, who owns the Chennai franchise. According to Gaurav Natekar, former tennis ace and WPBL founder, the league is witnessing immense interest from corporates and potential franchise owners, signalling a bright future for pickleball in India.
Ready to give pickleball a swing? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a total newbie, we want to know—what’s your take on this game-changing sport? Let us know if you’re up for a match, or just share your thoughts!
