Ahmedabad to Host India’s First Senior-Only Pickleball Championship
What's the Score?
In a historic first for Indian racquet sports, the city of Ahmedabad is set to host the Indian Masters Pickleball Tournament during the Republic Day weekend, January 24–26, 2026. This inaugural event is exclusively for senior athletes aged 30 to 70+, aimed at providing a dedicated, high-level competitive platform for older players. The event boasts a significant prize pool of Rs 11 lakh and PWR 400 ranking points.
Hit it deeper!
Organised by the Gujarat State Pickleball Association (GSPA) in partnership with Dinkers Pickleball Academy, the tournament represents a strategic shift toward specialised demographics in Indian sports. The competition will feature singles, doubles, and mixed doubles categories, ensuring a comprehensive test of skill for the expected 300+ participants arriving from across the nation.
The event is not merely recreational; it is a fully sanctioned competition offering substantial rewards. Beyond the Rs 11 lakh prize purse, winners will receive high-performance JOOLA Pro paddles and kits, adding a layer of professional legitimacy to the proceedings.
Leadership within the sport views this as a vital cultural milestone. Suryaveersingh Bhullar, president of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), described the event as a "tribute to inclusivity," emphasizing that passion and fitness have no expiration date. Aalap Sharma of the GSPA noted that the tournament provides a "structured competitive environment" specifically for seniors, whose game relies heavily on strategy and depth. To ensure the tournament meets international standards, Vallabh Shah of Dinkers Pickleball Academy confirmed that world-class facilities have been prepared to establish this as a flagship annual event.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The launch of the Indian Masters signifies that the Indian market is sophisticated enough to segment its competitive landscape. By investing serious money and ranking points into a senior-only event, organisers are acknowledging that the 30+ and 50+ demographics are the economic and social backbone of the sport globally. This tournament will likely serve as a blueprint for other regions, proving that senior pickleball is a commercially viable and competitively fierce product.