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Business Standard
12-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- Business Standard
A good racket: How India is courting Pickleball, 'game of the people'
Rihanna Anand, a homemaker who lives in New Delhi, calls Pickleball her '3F formula for fitness, friends, and fun.' The quirky lovechild of tennis, badminton and table tennis is the fastest-growing sport in India. At gated societies and corporate campuses to schools and weekend turf courts, the game is sweeping the country. 'I'm no athlete but I can smash it on court. Every morning at 8 sharp, you'll find me and my Vasant Vihar gang swinging paddles and laughing our way through doubles,' says Anand, 35, referring to a tony neighbourhood in South Delhi. Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island in Washington state, United States (US), as a backyard game for families. It's played on a badminton-like court with a 34-inch net over which players smack a perforated plastic ball with paddles. The rules are easy, the rallies fast and injuries rare. 'It's the perfect mix of fitness, fun, and inclusivity. Pickleball isn't just for the young or the athletic but it's for everyone,' says Gaurav Khanna, India's head coach for para badminton. He is putting up Pickleball courts at his upcoming coaching institute in Lucknow. 'Pickleball's compact court —similar in size to badminton — makes it incredibly easy to set up almost anywhere. It's simple to learn, gentle on the joints and appeals to all age groups, which is why it's catching on so quickly. 'The sport sharpens reflexes, boosts coordination and enhances overall fitness without overwhelming the body. It's a fun, low-barrier way to keep people active and engaged.' Niche to nationwide India's love affair with Pickleball has been sudden and staggering. There are more than 500,000 active players, at least 1,000 courts and weekly tournaments in multiple cities. Mumbai, Pune, Delhi and Bengaluru have become hotspots where housing societies repurpose badminton courts and startups offer 'pay-and-play' models. Sunil Valavalkar, the founder of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), says the sport is 'catching fire' because it's democratic and is not elitist. 'It's a game of the people.' Valavalkar, who brought the sport to India in 2008, believes Pickleball can change how Indians regard sport. 'A survey revealed that only 10 out of 100 Indians actively engage in sports or physical activities, compared to 60 per 100 citizens in the US and Europe. The gender disparity is concerning, with only one woman participating out of those 10 active individuals. Pickleball can change this narrative. 'Unlike traditional sports that are costly, space-intensive, and injury-prone, Pickleball is adaptable, non-tech, and gentle on the body. It's a social sport that welcomes everyone, fostering community bonds and providing comprehensive fitness.' Businessman Siddhant Jatia founded Picklebay, a startup that organises Pickleball training and matches for companies and communities. 'There was interest in the sport but no infrastructure, passion but no process,' he says. Jatia says he recognised it's a sport with mass appeal, low-entry barriers and the scope to build communities. The 'rare convergence' needed structure and strategy for growth. 'We're laying the foundation for India's Pickleball movement — not just with tournaments, but with a tech-first, ecosystem-driven approach that brings together infrastructure, training, and community in one platform,' says Jatia. Picklebay is in talks with real estate developers, hospitality companies and schools to put up courts for 'entire neighbourhoods'. 'We don't stop at the physical — we're also building the operational layer: coaching programmes for corporates, tournament formats and tech systems that make these assets truly come alive.' Picklebay's Corporate Masterclasses are designed as 'immersive, team-building experiences' that blend sport with leadership and collaboration. 'Our ambition is to help India move from having a few courts to being a Pickleball nation where the sport becomes a meaningful part of how people live, connect, and stay active,' says Jatia, who lives in Kolkata. Separately, World Pickleball League (WPBL) has added celebrity sheen to the sport. Gaurav Natekar, former India top-ranked tennis player, founded the league that's backed by actor-couple Riteish and Genelia Deshmukh. It will start city franchises like Pune United this year as 'a cultural moment in Indian sport', says Natekar. With funding from startups, brand partnerships and grassroots training, the sport has commercial potential. According to its fans, India could have 1 million players and 3,000 courts by 2028. ITC's Bingo!, Selkirk Sport and Franklin Balls are jumping into the fray. Kavita Chaturvedi, chief operating officer for snacks business at ITC Foods, says: 'Our association with AIPA stems from a shared vision to nurture emerging sports and empower young talent across India. Through this partnership, we aim to build a strong foundation for Pickleball by investing in grassroots programmes, organizing college tournaments across 23 states, and driving national-level engagement.' Pickleball's appeal It's ideal for older adults, beginners, or those recovering from injury The doubles format makes it inherently social Fast rallies enhance reflexes and cognitive function Companies are using it for employee engagement 'Pickleball allows women and men to play together as equals — something we need more of,' says Valavalkar. There are challenges: Confusion over governing bodies, the risk of over-commercialisation and infrastructural lag. To get started, players need a few essentials. Paddles cost Rs 1,000 for beginner models to over Rs 35,000 for premium brands like JOOLA and Selkirk. Balls cost Rs 200-1,500 per set, depending on indoor or outdoor use. Nets are priced between Rs 5,000 and Rs 25,000. Court shoes of brands like Asics or Yonex fall in the Rs 3,000-10,000 range. Accessories such as bags, grips, and training aids can add Rs 200 to Rs 50,000 to your gear kit bill. Expect to spend Rs 9,000 to Rs 75,000, depending on equipment quality.
Barnama
11-06-2025
- General
- Barnama
Pahang Offers Rich Cultural Experience To AIPA Delegation
GENERAL PEKAN, June 11 (Bernama) -- Pahang's unique culture, handicrafts and culinary offerings emerged as key highlights for the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) delegation during their four-day visit here. Sharing her experience at the Tunku Azizah Royal Craft Village in Pulau Keladi, AIPA Secretary-General Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman said the intricate art of Tenun Pahang Diraja stood out for its uniqueness compared to weaving traditions in other countries in the region. 'We can see a variety of handicrafts here, and as for the weaving, I noticed distinct differences in the patterns compared to those in other ASEAN countries,' she told reporters here. The visit was organised by the Malaysian Parliament in collaboration with the Pahang government, in conjunction with the 8th Meeting of the AIPA Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) 2025, held in Kuantan from June 9 to 12. Meanwhile, Siti Rozaimeriyanty also expressed her appreciation to the Malaysian Parliament and the Pahang government for holding the AIPACODD meeting outside the federal capital, which allowed delegates to gain exposure to the local culture. 'For many of us, this was our first time visiting areas outside of Kuala Lumpur, and for some, their first visit to Kuantan. ASEAN is about cultural understanding and exchange,' she said. Commenting on the AIPACODD meeting, Siti Rozaimeriyanty said it was successfully held and concluded with two draft consensus papers to be presented at the upcoming AIPA General Assembly scheduled for September. She said the meeting played a key role in supporting ASEAN's efforts to become a drug-free region and in achieving its aspiration of becoming the world's fourth-largest economy. --BERNAMA
NDTV
10-06-2025
- Sport
- NDTV
Indian Athletes Shine At World Pickleball Championship
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) proudly announces the remarkable success of Indian athletes at the 2025 World Pickleball Championship Korea, held from 5th to 8th June at the Seogwipo Tennis Center, Jeju-do. The prestigious Tier 3 tournament, organised by Pickleball Global, saw over 230 top-tier players from across Asia-including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Hong Kong, China, the Philippines, and Singapore-compete for top honors. In a standout performance, Kuldip Mahajan stole the spotlight by securing two Gold Medals-in the Men's Doubles 19+ category with Ryan Iam from Hong Kong, and in the Mixed Doubles 19+ category with Vrushali Thakare. India's winning streak continued with Sonu Kumar Vishwakarma bagging a Silver Medal in Men's Singles 19+, while Vrushali Thakare added another Silver to her tally in the Women's Doubles 19+ category alongside Angie Bong from Indonesia. Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, expressed, "It is truly heartening to witness our athletes rise to the occasion and deliver such world-class performances on an international stage. These victories are not just medals-they are milestones in India's growing stature in the global pickleball community. We are proud of our champions who continue to put Indian pickleball on the world map with grit, grace, and excellence." This milestone at the WPC Korea 2025 underscores India's increasing dominance and competitive edge in international pickleball. With consistent wins and a growing talent pool, AIPA remains committed to nurturing champions and building a robust ecosystem that can compete at the highest levels across the globe. Listen to the latest songs, only on
India Gazette
10-06-2025
- Sport
- India Gazette
India No. 8 Avinash Kumar lauds Picklebay as a launchpad for aspiring talent in pickleball
New Delhi, [India] June 10 (ANI): As Pickleball continues its remarkable rise in India, Picklebay has emerged as a promising new platform for players across the country to compete, grow, and get noticed, according to a release from AIPA. Among the top contenders at the Picklebay India Tour is 24-year-old Avinash Kumar, currently ranked No. 8 in India and 24th in Asia in men's singles (as per the DUPR rankings). Avinash, who recently clinched the silver medal in the Men's Open Singles category at the Mumbai leg of the Picklebay India Tour, believes the Tournament Series is setting a new benchmark for the sport in India. 'Picklebay is a fantastic platform, especially for new and emerging players. It gives us the opportunity to play across different states and helps young athletes get the visibility they need. The format and professionalism here make it a tournament that will definitely grow bigger with time,' Avinash Kumar said. Hailing from Patna, Bihar, Avinash's sporting journey began in cricket before he stumbled upon pickleball through a newspaper article around eight years ago. 'I googled it, connected with Bihar Pickleball Association's Secretary, Ranjan Gupta sir, who introduced me to the game, and that's where it all began,' he recalls. What started in a small local academy has since evolved into a full-time sporting pursuit, with the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) now backing him as a sponsored athlete. With a rigorous training schedule of nearly 5-6 hours a day, Avinash has already represented India internationally in multiple tournaments. Reflecting on the difference between international and Indian circuits, he noted, 'India has made great progress in infrastructure. Courts are becoming more accessible, especially with platforms like Picklebay. The level of competition is also rising steadily.' He sees pickleball as one of the most inclusive sports today. 'Pickleball is special because it combines the best of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Anyone from age 8 to 80 can enjoy it. It's cost-effective, easy to pick up, and now with more courts coming up in buildings and communities, it's growing organically.' Avinash also had a message for the next generation, 'Young players should seriously consider pickleball as a professional sport. The growth opportunities are real. If you work hard and perform, you'll get recognition--not just in India, but internationally too.' As Picklebay continues its India Tour, players like Avinash are proving just how impactful this Tournament Series can be in shaping the future of pickleball in the country. (ANI)
New Straits Times
10-06-2025
- Politics
- New Straits Times
Cybercrime, human trafficking among key issues at AIPACODD meeting
KUANTAN: Tackling drug threats, cybercrimes, and human trafficking, which are among the most pressing transnational challenges facing Asean nations, will top the agenda at the 8th Meeting of the Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) Advisory Council on Dangerous Drugs (AIPACODD) 2025, which begins here today. AIPACODD, which brings together lawmakers from all 10 Asean member countries, aims to establish clear benchmarks, conduct peer reviews of national strategies, and create mechanisms for real-time intelligence sharing. Dewan Rakyat Speaker Tan Sri Johari Abdul, who also serves as AIPA President, described the meeting as a platform to forge concrete parliamentary commitments, enabling lawmakers to propose bold legislative innovations and share successful interventions. "We are no longer combating cross-border crimes as individual nations, but collectively as Asean, through stronger cooperation, exchange of ideas, and improved legal frameworks. "AIPACODD must evolve in line with the changing modus operandi of modern criminal networks. These crime challenges are no longer isolated incidents but part of a wider organised ecosystem that transcends borders and sectors. "The resolutions made here will not merely be words on paper, but blueprints for parliamentary action across our region. Our words must translate into legislation that empowers, programmes that heal, and cooperation that transcends boundaries," he told reporters after opening the 8th AIPACODD meeting at a hotel here today. Johari described the regional drug menace as a serious threat, noting that syndicates are becoming increasingly innovative and using tactics that defy conventional understanding. "Today, some syndicates operate out of small-sized factories or even luxury bungalows. We must be prepared to confront these emerging threats with up-to-date tactics and dynamic responses to swiftly curb the drug menace. "AIPACODD enables lawmakers to share how their respective countries have tackled these issues. For example, if a particular method proves effective in one country, others can adopt similar approaches to address their own challenges. "There are non-governmental organisations who claim that drug addicts should receive medical treatment and that mandatory penalties for traffickers are too harsh. "They advocate alternative approaches to dealing with drug issues. This remains an ongoing debate," he said. Johari also raised concerns about cybercrime and human trafficking in the region, particularly cases involving Malaysians being lured into scam operations and the trafficking of Rohingya victims into the country. "We understand some of these are long-standing issues, but they must be addressed with modern solutions. "This meeting allows Asean member countries to enhance policy monitoring, improve information sharing, and deepen regional cooperation," he said. Johari added that any resolutions deemed suitable by AIPACODD would be brought before Parliament and reviewed by the Parliamentary Special Select Committee. "If appropriate, the proposals will be tabled and debated, and may also be discussed at the Asean Secretariat level," he said. Also present were AIPA secretary-general Siti Rozaimeriyanty Abdul Rahman, Dewan Rakyat Deputy Speaker Datuk Dr Ramli Mohd Nor who also serves as chairperson of the 8th AIPACODD meeting and Pahang State Assembly Speaker Datuk Seri Mohd Sharkar Shamsudin.
