Once a niche sport abroad, pickleball is now rapidly gaining traction in urban India and is seen as a refreshing alternative to traditional sports. From Bollywood stars to sports stars, this fun, fast-paced game attracts enthusiasts from all backgrounds. But what exactly is pickleball and where did it come from?
If you've ever been utterly astounded to see people playing a sport that looks like tennis with rackets that look like flyswatters, then you've come to the right place.
A combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis, pickleball uses a paddle and a plastic ball with holes in it. This hybrid sport is played on a small court with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes in it. Since its creation in the 1960s, pickleball has evolved from a backyard game into a serious competitive sport, attracting players of all ages and skill levels.
The Rise of Pickleball in India
Introduced to India by Sunil Valavalkar in 2007, pickleball had humble beginnings but has grown significantly over the past decade thanks to the efforts of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA). Today, the sport is played in 23 states and boasts over 10,000 players. The expansion of the game is fueled by initiatives such as national tournaments, coaching clinics and collaborations with international pickleball organizations.
India's Sports Minister Anurag Thakur has also been instrumental in promoting pickleball, strengthening the government support that is essential for mainstream acceptance. The sport's popularity across all age groups and genders, and its potential to promote inclusivity, make it particularly appealing in India. With new purpose-built courts being built in cities such as Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore and pickleball being offered by prestigious clubs, the sport is quickly becoming a staple recreational activity in urban India.
Simplicity and accessibility
One of the main reasons for pickleball's popularity in India is its simplicity: the sport is easy to learn and requires only a small court, a paddle and a plastic ball with holes, making it especially appealing in crowded urban areas such as Mumbai and Bangalore, where space is often at a premium. Unlike tennis and badminton, which require specialized courts and equipment, pickleball can be played in community parks or converted badminton courts, making it accessible to everyone.
Celebrity endorsements
Pickleball's popularity in India has grown with the endorsement of celebrities. One notable endorser of the sport is popular actress Samantha Ruth Prabhu. Known for her success in the South Indian film industry, Samantha recently became the owner of the Chennai team in the World Pickleball League and wrote a heartfelt post about what the opportunity means to her.
Globally, tennis legend Novak Djokovic has also been linked to pickleball. While Djokovic is known for his dominance on the tennis court, for the first time the Olympic gold medallist will be taking to the pickleball court.
Health benefits and community building
Pickleball offers numerous health benefits, particularly as a low-impact sport, making it appealing to those looking for a fun, easy way to stay active without the strenuous physical demands of tennis or squash. Additionally, with its emphasis on doubles play, the sport fosters a strong sense of community and social engagement, resonating with Indian culture's communal approach to recreation.
National-level tournaments are also becoming more common in India, drawing participants across a wide range of age groups and demographics. As the sport continues to grow, it's clear that pickleball has carved out a unique place for itself in India's evolving sports culture. With more people picking up a paddle and stepping onto the court, the future of pickleball in India is bright and its growth shows no signs of slowing.