AIPA Appeals to PM Modi Over Pickleball Recognition Controversy
What's the Score?
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), claiming 18 years of dedicated work in developing the sport nationwide, has formally appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. AIPA sent a letter protesting the decision by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to deny them official recognition and instead grant it to the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), a group that reportedly formed only five months ago. AIPA argues this decision is a severe "injustice" to the sport and those who built it.
Hit it deeper!
In a direct plea for intervention, the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning a controversial decision by the sports ministry. AIPA is challenging the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) for reportedly denying them official recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball in India. Instead, the ministry has chosen to recognise the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), a different group that, according to AIPA, was established just five months prior.
AIPA's letter, sent on a recent Sunday, strongly asserts that this move constitutes a significant "injustice" to the sport and the years of effort invested by their organisation and its community. Established in 2007, AIPA claims to be the oldest and largest governing body for pickleball in India. They contend that over the past 18 years, they have worked tirelessly, "brick by brick, paddle by paddle," to nurture and build pickleball throughout the country. AIPA highlights its extensive network, stating they have state bodies in 24 states and have grown the sport across "25+ states, with thousands of players, coaches, tournaments, and associations". They attribute this growth to the "relentless, unpaid efforts of AIPA and its community". Furthermore, AIPA played a role in the international development of the sport, having been involved in the founding of both the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the Asian Pickleball Federation (APF), receiving official affiliations from these bodies in 2015 and 2020 respectively.
The core of AIPA's grievance lies in the stark contrast between their nearly two decades of work and the recent formation of the IPA, which received the official recognition. In their letter to the Prime Minister, AIPA expressed their profound disappointment and posed a pointed question to the ministry's decision-making process: "Is this the message we wish to send to the sporting world — that merit doesn’t matter, and sweat can be tuned by influence?".
AIPA views this situation as more than just a setback for their association; they believe it "is a case of Indian sport being undermined". They feel that "Years of effort are being erased by a shortcut," leading to "trust in the system being shattered". The association is making an earnest appeal to Prime Minister Modi, urging him "with folded hands and hopeful hearts, to intervene" and to "review this decision transparently". Their goal is to ensure that Indian sport, along with the athletes, coaches, and associations who contribute to it, are not negatively impacted by what they perceive as political considerations over merit. AIPA concludes by emphasising that the issue extends beyond just pickleball, asserting, "This is not just about Pickleball. This is about principle. And about the India we want to become".
The World Pickleball Verdict
The dispute over official recognition between the long-standing All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and the newer Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) highlights a critical challenge often faced by developing sports organisations: gaining legitimate government backing. AIPA's appeal to the Prime Minister underscores the severity of their concern that their decades of foundational work are being unjustly overlooked in favour of a recently formed body. This situation has significant implications for the future of pickleball in India; inconsistent or perceived unfair governance can create instability, deter investment, and demoralise the community that has worked to build the sport from the ground up. The call for a transparent review is essential, not only for resolving this specific conflict but also for setting a precedent that prioritises merit and established development efforts in sports administration, ensuring that the growth of pickleball in India is built on a fair and recognized foundation.