Over the past few years, India has witnessed a quiet sporting revolution. While cricket continues to dominate headlines, a lesser-known but fast-growing racquet sport is making waves across metro cities and smaller towns alike – Pickleball.

A mix of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball is fun, fast-paced, and easy to pick up – qualities that are fuelling its popularity across age groups and geographies in India.

So, Why the Sudden Buzz?

There are a few key reasons why pickleball is booming in India:

Accessibility: You don’t need an expensive club membership to start playing. Many societies, schools, and recreational centres are repurposing existing badminton or tennis courts into pickleball courts.

Low Entry Barrier: The rules are simple, the court is small, and the game is easy on the joints – perfect for people of all ages, from kids to retirees.

Social Sport: Pickleball is inherently community-driven. The doubles format makes it a social activity, and that’s proving to be a big draw in urban India’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Metro Cities Leading the Charge

In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, Pune, and Hyderabad, the growth of pickleball has been nothing short of explosive. Here’s a quick snapshot:

Mumbai: The city has emerged as one of the country’s leading pickleball hubs. With courts sprouting up from Colaba to Borivali, weekend leagues and coaching clinics are bringing together players from every walk of life.

Bangalore: A favourite among the city’s tech community, pickleball has become the go-to weekend sport. Several tech parks and gated communities now feature dedicated courts.

Pune: With its active sports culture, Pune was one of the early adopters. Local clubs and tournaments have helped popularise the sport and create a tight-knit community of players.

Hyderabad & Chennai: With strong traditions in racquet sports, these cities are seeing a natural transition into pickleball, especially among tennis and badminton players looking for a new challenge.

From Passion to Profession

The rise of pickleball in India isn’t just limited to casual play. The country now boasts:

• Multiple state associations working under the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA)
• Tournaments and leagues at local, state, and national levels
• Emerging athletes who are representing India on the international stage

In fact, Indian players have started making a mark at global tournaments, and the World Pickleball League (WPBL) is aiming to become a key platform in shaping professional pickleball talent in the country.

Not Just a Fad

Pickleball’s growth mirrors the journey of other alternative sports in India – like ultimate frisbee, futsal, or even skateboarding. But what sets it apart is its intergenerational appeal and community-centric vibe. It’s not uncommon to see teenagers and 60-somethings playing on the same court.

Plus, the post-pandemic fitness boom has led many Indians to explore new ways to stay active – especially in sports that combine fun, fitness, and friendship. Pickleball checks all three boxes.

What’s Next?

The future looks bright. With increased media coverage, more structured leagues like the WPBL, and growing investment from sporting bodies and private players, pickleball is poised to become a mainstream sport in India.

At the grassroots, efforts are already underway to introduce pickleball in schools and colleges. The next phase of growth will likely come from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, where real estate constraints are less and community sports are deeply valued.

Final Serve

Pickleball may have started as a backyard pastime in the US, but in India, it’s becoming much more – a vehicle for fitness, fun, and even sporting ambition. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a competitive athlete, there’s never been a better time to pick up a paddle and join the fastest-growing racquet sport in the country.

Welcome to India’s pickleball revolution.