Pickleball in India is quietly but steadily moving beyond its tag as a casual, recreational sport and turning into a serious competitive discipline. The Indian Pickleball Association’s recognition as the National Sports Federation has played a key role in this shift, bringing much-needed structure and credibility to the sport.

With systems like rankings, organised tournaments, and grassroots initiatives now in place, pickleball is beginning to build a proper pathway for players across the country. Coupled with rising participation and growing interest from brands and investors, the sport is not just spreading rapidly but also starting to establish India as a credible force on the global stage.

In an exclusive and freewheeling conversation with Sportskeeda, the President of the IPA, Suryaveersingh Bullar, opens up on the pickleball ecosystem in India and why he thinks the sport could become a potential Olympic medal opportunity for the country in the future:

Q1. The Indian Pickleball Association recently gained NSF (National Sports Federation) status. How does this milestone change the structure of the sport?

The granting of NSF status is the most significant milestone for any sport. With IPA becoming the sole governing authority, it allows us to push for inclusion in programs like Khelo India, university competitions, and the School Games Federation of India, as well as explore integration into the CBSE sporting system.

This recognition ensures athletes receive the same prestige as those in traditional sports, while also opening doors to government grants, SAI training facilities, and eligibility for honours like the Arjuna Award.

Importantly, it brings standardisation and governance. We are implementing national standards, certification programs, and have launched a coaching certification. We are also working towards referee certification and setting up an equipment testing lab in India to support local manufacturing and quality control.

Q2. Where does pickleball stand in India today, and what is your long-term vision?

Over the past year, pickleball in India has transitioned from a niche recreational activity into a high-growth performance sport. The IPA has driven this through structured ranking tournaments, international representation, and high-performance centres.

But this is just the beginning. We believe pickleball has the potential to bring India an Olympic medal once it is included in the Games. Our vision is to make India a top-three global powerhouse, with athletes capable of winning medals at the Asian Games and Olympics.

Q3. What steps are being taken to grow the sport beyond metro cities and at the grassroots level?

We are working aggressively to take pickleball beyond metros. A key step is our partnership with Sports Gurukul to launch a national inter-school championship, leveraging a network of over 500 schools.

IPA operates across 27 states, and we are focusing on district-level expansion to identify talent in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. We are also promoting portable nets, allowing any flat surface to become a pickleball court, making the sport highly accessible.

Efforts to integrate pickleball into Khelo India will further accelerate grassroots growth.

Q4. How is IPA building a talent pipeline to compete globally?

We have established a structured development framework anchored by a transparent ranking system and a tiered tournament structure from district to national level.

High-performance centres provide elite coaching, while international exposure remains a priority. India’s seventh-place finish at the Pickleball World Cup (among 78 nations) highlights our progress.

Our partnership with the US Open gives national champions direct entry, bypassing the lottery system. Additionally, a dedicated selection committee scouts talent nationwide and supports players with training, sponsorships, and international opportunities.

Q5. What does the IPA tournament roadmap look like over the next 12–18 months?

The structure includes IPA-run state tournaments culminating in the annual Nationals, alongside a rapidly growing calendar of IPA-sanctioned events.

We conducted around 110 tournaments last year and expect to nearly double that. The Indian Open is now an IPA-sanctioned global event, and discussions are underway to host the first Asian Pickleball Championship in India, potentially featuring over 18 countries.

Indian teams will also compete in global events like the World Cup, the US Open, and the amateur EPIC World Championship in Singapore.

Q6. Are there plans to collaborate with schools, colleges, or private leagues to accelerate adoption?

Yes, collaboration is central to our strategy. The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), held in Delhi and sanctioned by IPA, was a major success and significantly boosted the sport’s visibility.

We have also launched the national inter-school championship with Sports Gurukul and are exploring inter-college competitions. These initiatives are helping us build a strong ecosystem and drive widespread participation.

Q7. Infrastructure is a key challenge for emerging sports. How is IPA addressing this?

Infrastructure is always a challenge, but pickleball’s growth has led to courts emerging across the country. IPA is partnering with private facilities to use them as training and awareness centres.

We are also in talks with sponsors to set up high-performance centres and with the Sports Authority of India to establish academies within existing stadiums. Since pickleball requires relatively less space, we are confident of expanding infrastructure rapidly over the next two years.

Q8. What does the professional pathway look like for a young player in India today?

A young player today can enter through district-level tournaments, progress through state rankings, and eventually compete at the IPA Nationals.

From there, standout performers gain access to high-performance centres, national camps, and international exposure. With structured rankings, scouting systems, and global tournament pathways, the route to becoming a professional athlete in pickleball is now clearly defined.

Q9. How do you see the commercial side of pickleball evolving in India? What role will leagues like IPBL play?

Pickleball is growing strongly as a commercial sport. It offers excellent returns on investment due to its accessibility and appeal across age groups.

Leagues like the IPBL have already elevated the sport’s profile with broadcast backing and team ownership from major business houses. Going forward, the IPBL can play a role similar to the IPL – creating opportunities for players, coaches, referees, brands, and sponsors, while driving the sport’s overall growth.

Q10. What is your message to young athletes considering pickleball?

Whether you dream of representing India at the Pickleball World Cup, the US Open, or even the Olympics in the future, the IPA is here to support you. The infrastructure is growing, the system is in place, and the opportunities are expanding.

Grab a paddle, your journey to the top starts now!