The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) on Thursday convened a meeting in New Delhi to commemorate its official recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), Government of India. This milestone achievement signifies a pivotal moment for the sport in India, positioning pickleball on par with other major sports and to unlock new avenues for structured development, funding, and nationwide promotion.
The event, with an objective to outline IPA’s strategic roadmap for the development and promotion of pickleball across India, brought together board members, key stakeholders, and representatives from multiple states and union territories, with Presidents and General Secretaries from 25+ states.
IPA announced plans to hold 100+ events this year in different states across all age groups in Men’s and Women’s, alongside launching the Indian Pickleball Ranking structure. Along with its state bodies, the IPA plans to revolutionize the sport in India by establishing a structured, inclusive, and professionally managed ecosystem, aiming to ensure nationwide participation and grassroots growth.
One of the key announcements included the launch of India’s first official Pickleball Nationals under MYAS, expected to draw over 1,000 players from across 25 states in both individual and team formats. Additionally, IPA will be collaborating with the Times Group to launch a flagship league featuring Indian and international athletes, along with a year-end Masters tournament, crowning the top-ranked players.
Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, IPA said, “The official recognition as a National Sports Federation is a historic milestone, but it is also a call to action. We all are committed to establishing a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India, focusing on talent identification, equitable access, professional training, and global competitiveness. Our mission is to win medals for India at the junior and pro levels on the international stage. With the expertise of our leadership and the passion of our community, we aim to make pickleball a household name and position India as a global powerhouse in the sport.”
The IPA also plans to engage with global organizations to position India as a significant player on the international stage, including efforts to host the first Official Asia Cup and pursue Olympic recognition through the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). Through academy accreditation, technical training for coaches and referees, and institutional integration via Khelo India and school networks, the IPA is committed to creating a robust and sustainable pickleball ecosystem in India. IPA is aligned with the international vision for Olympic inclusion and is actively working to prepare Indian athletes for elite global competition. In addition to its immediate plans, IPA is also working on several long-term initiatives, including infrastructure development projects in collaboration with local governments, the launch of coaching certification programs, and the establishment of pickleball academies in major cities. A structured league system is also in the works to foster competitive play and provide a pathway for players to transition from amateur to professional ranks.
Highlighting the vision for Pickleball in India, Aalap Sharma, Treasurer, IPA said, “The landmark decision by MYAS to recognize IPA as National Sports Federation is the beginning of a revolution in Pickleball. Our goal is to make India a Pickleball hub of the world. By fostering partnerships and encouraging inclusive participation, we will elevate pickleball to new heights, making it accessible, competitive, and thriving for generations to come.”
