India Pickleball CIVIL WAR? Ministry Chooses NEW Boss, Old Guard Threatens Legal BATTLE!
What's the Score?
A major conflict has erupted in India's burgeoning pickleball community following the Sports Ministry's decision to recognise the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) as the official national body. This move grants the IPA significant authority, including receiving government grants and overseeing the sport's development across India. However, the older All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which claims to have introduced pickleball to the country and has been active since 2008, is strongly opposing this decision, labelling it unfair and potentially influenced by lobbying. The AIPA is now considering legal action, adding a layer of uncertainty to the sport's future governance in India.
Hit it deeper!
The core of the dispute centres on the Sports Ministry's recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) on April 25, 2025. This recognition is a pivotal moment, as it positions the IPA, formed only in November 2024, to regulate, develop, and promote pickleball nationally and potentially receive government funding. The IPA President, Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, views this as a defining moment aimed at building talent, creating career opportunities, and expanding access to pickleball in India.
However, the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), registered in 2008 and claiming to have introduced the sport to India in 2007-08, has voiced strong objections. AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo stated that the decision is disheartening and raises serious concerns about transparency and fairness in sports governance. AIPA specifically argues that the recognition violates the 2011 National Sports Code, which requires a body to be in existence for over three years to qualify as a National Sports Federation. They highlight the significant difference in age between AIPA (registered 2008) and IPA (registered late 2024).
Adding to their concerns, AIPA Treasurer Nikhil Mathare suggested that the IPA's recognition might have been influenced by lobbying. Mathare pointed out that AIPA submitted a representation to the Sports Ministry back in October of the previous year, while the Ministry chose to grant recognition to a company only four months old that, according to Mathare, lacks the organisational structure and district-level presence that AIPA possesses.
AIPA feels this situation leaves them with "no choice but to take legal recourse". However, Mathare also indicated they plan to have a conversation with the Ministry before proceeding with legal action. This potential legal challenge could significantly impact the sport's progression, including delaying official events and programs that would typically fall under the newly recognised body. The situation underscores governance issues that appear to be a pattern in rapidly growing sports globally, as seen with conflicts among international pickleball federations. The final resolution in India will likely depend on the outcome of further discussions with the Ministry or potential court rulings.
The World Pickleball Verdict
The conflict within Indian pickleball governance, triggered by the Sports Ministry's decision to recognise the IPA over the long-standing AIPA, is more than just an administrative dispute; it's a case study in the growing pains of a rapidly popularising sport. AIPA's claims regarding transparency, fairness, and adherence to the National Sports Code, particularly the three-year existence rule, raise valid questions about the recognition process. The suggestion of lobbying influencing the decision adds a layer of political intrigue to what should ideally be a process focused purely on the sport's best interests and established governance standards.
The potential for legal action by AIPA could significantly stall pickleball's development in India, impacting funding, athlete participation, and the implementation of official programs. This mirrors governance conflicts seen on the global stage within pickleball, suggesting that established structures and clear processes are vital for managing the sport's explosive growth smoothly. The situation in India serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that rapid expansion can outpace organisational stability and lead to internal strife that ultimately affects the players and the sport's potential. A resolution that prioritises fair play, transparency, and adherence to established codes is crucial for Indian pickleball to move past this "civil war" and realise its full potential.