<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has been officially recognised by the Government of India through the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the national sports federation for pickleball. This landmark recognition affirms IPA&rsquo;s status as the apex governing body responsible for the promotion, regulation, and development of the sport across the country.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">With a strong foundation laid through years of dedication and grassroots work, the IPA is now poised to expand pickleball's footprint across India. The organisation aims to build a nationwide ecosystem focused on access, excellence, and opportunity &mdash; from school-level integration and community outreach to elite training programs and international competition.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">The IPA envisions a vibrant and inclusive sporting culture with over 100,000 active registered players, regular national-level competitions across age groups, and a robust grassroots development framework. Plans also include establishing new National High-Performance Centres for top-tier athlete training alongside existing facilities.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">A major focus for the IPA is youth development, coaching education, and creating professional pathways in the sport. Efforts are underway to introduce pickleball in schools and strengthen initiatives like the Khelo India Women&rsquo;s Pickleball Cup. The association is also driving gender inclusion and building capacity through international coaches' conferences, certification programs for referees and coaches, and employment opportunities in the sport.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Demonstrating its growing influence, the IPA hosted its national championship in January 2025 at Bennett University, Greater Noida. The event featured over 500 players from more than 20 states and was played on 14 international-standard courts &mdash; a testament to the rising standards of competitive pickleball in India.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Earlier, the IPA-sanctioned PWR DUPR India Masters 2024 at Delhi's DLTA Stadium attracted international attention, drawing participants from across the globe. The association also hosted training clinics with top international players, including APP World #1 Megan Fudge DeHeart and APP World #5 Ryler DeHeart, reflecting its commitment to global collaboration and excellence.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Calling the recognition a &ldquo;historic milestone,&rdquo; IPA President Suryaveer Singh Bhullar emphasized that it is also a responsibility. &ldquo;We are committed to building a world-class sporting structure for pickleball in India. Our mission is clear &mdash; to identify talent, ensure equitable access, offer professional training, and win medals for India on the global stage,&rdquo; he said.</span></div>
<div>&nbsp;</div>
<div><span style="font-family: georgia, palatino, serif; font-size: 12pt;">Bhullar highlighted the diverse experience of the current IPA leadership team &mdash; many of whom have represented India at events like the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games, either as athletes, coaches, or administrators. Their collective expertise, he noted, will be instrumental in making pickleball one of the most widely played sports in India.</span></div>

India’s apex pickleball body gets national federation status, paving the way for grassroots growth and international competitiveness

Indian Pickleball Association Gains Official Government Recognition

India’s apex pickleball body gets national federation status, paving the way for grassroots growth and international competitiveness

May 2, 2025 | 13:00 IST