The rapidly growing sport of pickleball has officially launched a three-day tournament in Mumbai, drawing a crowd of over 700 enthusiastic players ranging from children to senior citizens.
Organised by Pickle Point, the event marks a major milestone in the game’s expansion across India.
A Global Sensation Takes Root In India
Originating in the United States, pickleball has quickly gained traction worldwide and is now thriving in India.
According to Pickle Point co-founders — Vivaan Talreja, Harsh Idnani, and Vivaan Malkani the demand for the sport has surged dramatically, particularly in the post-Covid era.
“People between the ages of 10 and 60 are playing the sport,” said one of the co-founders. “It combines elements of tennis and badminton, making it both competitive and fun.”
Principal Dr Mrs Vandana Lulla and player Ariana Anil Abraham are guiding the tournament and actively supporting the sport’s growth.
Facilities And Participation
Mumbai now boasts over 200 pickleball courts, with players required to book slots via the official website.
The format of the sport involves head-to-head matches where players earn points for performance, and consistent scoring improves their competitive ranking.
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Participants from various cities, including Delhi, Gurugram, Bengaluru, and Chennai, have also contributed to the sport’s growing popularity.
“There’s something incredibly engaging about this game,” noted a participant. “It’s fast-paced, easy to pick up, and caters to all age groups.”
What Is Pickleball?
Pickleball is a paddle sport that blends elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis.
Played on a 44-by-20-foot court similar in size to a badminton court, the game involves players hitting a perforated plastic ball over a tennis-style net using solid paddles.
Both singles and doubles formats are common, and the rules encourage quick rallies and strategic play.
A Sport On The Rise
With participation having doubled in recent years, pickleball is now played in over 70 countries.
In India, cities are rapidly embracing the trend, and tournaments like this one in Mumbai are proving to be major catalysts in the sport’s local development.
As the event continues over the next two days, excitement remains high, with winners set to be honoured with prizes and recognition.
Clearly, pickleball is not just a passing trend in India, but a movement gaining strong momentum.
Would you like a visual infographic summarising pickleball’s rise in India and its rules?
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