India Recognised! IPA to Host Asia Cup & Expand Pickleball Nationwide
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Pickleball in India has achieved a landmark moment with the official recognition of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the sport's national governing body. This crucial development immediately positions India to host the Pickleball Asia Cup 2025 and sets the stage for a nationwide expansion of the sport. With comprehensive plans for development programs, coach training, youth initiatives, and leveraging partnerships, India is aiming to become a major force in global pickleball.
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In a significant advancement for the sport in India, the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has received official recognition from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. This designation as the national governing body for pickleball in the country was announced on May 1, 2025. This official status marks a "defining moment" for the sport in India.
A key immediate consequence of this recognition is that it paves the way for India to host the Pickleball Asia Cup 2025. Hosting a major international event like the Asia Cup is considered a significant milestone for Indian pickleball.
The IPA is already established on the international stage, being a Class A member of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). The GPF is dedicated to promoting pickleball globally and has ambitious aims, including advocating for the sport's inclusion in the Asian Games and the Olympics. Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President of the IPA, expressed excitement about the recognition, stating, "This is a defining moment, but we see it as just the beginning". He emphasised the IPA's future focus on building talent, creating career paths, and ensuring all Indians can access the "joy and benefits of pickleball". Javier Regalado, President of the GPF, echoed this enthusiasm, calling the recognition a "proud moment for the global pickleball community". He anticipates that India's growing passion for pickleball will be further fueled and looks forward to seeing India become a "powerhouse in the sport".
Following the national recognition, the IPA has announced comprehensive plans for expanding pickleball across India. These plans include launching structured programs within schools, aligning with existing government initiatives like Khelo India and Khel Mahakumbh. To support the increasing demand for quality instruction, the IPA will roll out a national certification program for coaches and referees. Recognising the importance of inclusivity, the association also plans to expand the Women’s Pickleball Cup to encourage greater female participation.
Youth development is a central focus for the IPA. Initiatives are underway to establish Regional High-Performance Junior Training Centres. The IPA also aims to host international coaches’ conferences. These combined efforts are designed to nurture the next generation of Indian pickleball talent and enhance India's presence at the Pickleball World Cup.
The sport's rapid growth in India provides a strong foundation for these plans. Pickleball's popularity has surged dramatically, with a 159% increase in players between 2019 and 2022. This highlights the sport's growing appeal across different age groups. National tournaments organised by the IPA, such as the IPA Nationals 2025, have consistently attracted hundreds of players, showcasing a burgeoning competitive scene. Furthermore, the IPA-sanctioned PWR DUPR India Masters in 2024 successfully drew international players and media attention.
The national recognition is viewed as a crucial step in elevating Indian pickleball on the global stage. Partnerships, such as the one with the Times Group-backed Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), are expected to help accelerate the sport's growth throughout the country. With strong leadership, a rapidly expanding player base, and strategic global partnerships, the IPA is considered well-positioned to usher Indian pickleball into a new era.
The World Pickleball Verdict
India's official national recognition of pickleball is a transformative event that legitimises the sport and provides a clear pathway for structured development and major international participation. Being granted the right to host the Asia Cup 2025 is a significant immediate win, putting India in a prominent regional role. However, the long-term impact lies in the IPA's ambitious plans for nationwide expansion, from school programs and coach certification to high-performance junior training centres. The sport's proven rapid growth trajectory in India, coupled with this new official status and strategic partnerships, creates a powerful engine for future development. This signals that India is serious about cultivating talent from the grassroots up and is poised to become a significant player on the global pickleball landscape.