Gujarat Ignites Pickleball Firestorm: Largest State Tournament Crowns Champions and Builds Future Stars
What's the Score?
The LGT Wealth India Gujarat Masters 2025, held in Vadodara from March 21 to 23, was the largest state-level pickleball tournament ever in the region, featuring over 250 players across 29 categories. Organized by the Pickleball Association of Gujarat (PAG) under the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the event had a prize pool exceeding ₹5 lakh. It highlighted Gujarat's growing prominence in India's pickleball movement and aimed to build a strong and inclusive sporting ecosystem. PAG also spotlighted its Player Sponsorship Program and announced PAG Labs for player development.
Hit it deeper!
Pickleball history was made in Gujarat as Vadodara hosted the LGT Wealth India Gujarat Masters 2025, which became the largest state-level pickleball tournament ever held in the region. The city was vibrant with energy from March 21 to 23, 2025, as over 250 players competed fiercely across 29 different categories, marking a significant milestone in the development of pickleball in India. The tournament boasted a prize pool exceeding ₹5 lakh, not only providing thrilling matches but also sending a strong message about Gujarat's rapid emergence as a key player in India’s expanding pickleball movement.
Organized by the Pickleball Association of Gujarat (PAG) under the guidance of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the event achieved record-breaking levels of participation and significant community engagement. The Gujarat Masters served as a platform to showcase Gujarat’s dedication to creating a high-impact and inclusive sporting environment. Saurabh Trivedi, President of PAG, described the event as a pivotal moment for the sport, stating, "The Gujarat Masters is a game-changer for pickleball in India. With record-breaking participation, it’s not just Gujarat’s biggest pickleball tournament—it’s a statement of the sport’s growing momentum. Our goal is to create a strong, sustainable ecosystem where players can compete, develop, and gain national and international exposure". The success of the tournament was supported by a strong team of former athletes and sports leaders, including Ronak Mehta, Rahul Vora, Shaleen Bhatt, and cricketer Mrugesh Kothari, whose experience and leadership have been crucial in transforming PAG into one of India’s most proactive pickleball associations. Their combined efforts have not only elevated the profile of pickleball throughout Gujarat but have also helped in establishing a pathway for young athletes to excel.
In conjunction with the tournament, PAG also highlighted its Player Sponsorship Program, which offers financial assistance and professional training to support promising young athletes, helping them to turn their passion for pickleball into high-level performance. Looking to the future, PAG announced PAG Labs, a high-performance training and mentorship program, as the next major step in player development. This initiative will be led by internationally acclaimed coach Radhika Trivedi and AIPA Head Coach Bhupendra ji and is expected to significantly elevate the standard of Indian pickleball. With the successful conclusion of the Gujarat Masters 2025, the state of Gujarat has firmly established its position on India's national pickleball map. From fostering grassroots development to hosting elite-level competition, Gujarat is cultivating a vibrant pickleball culture that is attracting talent, support, and nationwide attention. The tournament's significance extended beyond crowning champions; it was a celebration of the spirit of the sport, a showcase of local talent, and a foundation for an even brighter future for pickleball in Gujarat and India. Key highlights of the LGT Wealth India Gujarat Masters 2025 include its date (March 21–23, 2025), location (Vadodara, Gujarat), participation (over 250 players), number of categories (29), prize pool (₹5+ lakh), and organizers (Pickleball Association of Gujarat (PAG), under AIPA). The momentum generated in Vadodara is expected to continue driving the growth of pickleball in the region.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The LGT Wealth India Gujarat Masters 2025 represents a pivotal moment for pickleball in India, showcasing the sport's significant growth and potential within the country. The record-breaking participation and substantial prize pool demonstrate an increasing level of investment and interest in competitive pickleball at the state level. The proactive role of the Pickleball Association of Gujarat (PAG), supported by experienced sports leaders, highlights a structured approach to developing the sport from grassroots to elite levels. Initiatives like the Player Sponsorship Program and the upcoming PAG Labs indicate a commitment to nurturing talent and raising the overall standard of play in Gujarat and, by extension, in India. The tournament's success in engaging the community and attracting national attention underscores Gujarat's emergence as a key hub for pickleball in India. This event is not just a competition; it signifies a strategic effort to build a sustainable and thriving pickleball ecosystem within the region, setting a positive precedent for other states in India and contributing to the global expansion of the sport.