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Pickleball In India: Team India Makes History For World Cup

Newz Daddy Sports Updates

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), recognised National Sports Federation for Pickleball under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has officially concluded its landmark two-day selection trials held at the IPA Centre of Excellence in Ahmedabad on August 30 and 31, 2025.
The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the governing body for pickleball in India, was founded in 2008 and works on grassroots development. It has helped grow the sport across states and training programs.

These historic trials mark the formation of Team India’s first official national pickleball contingent, set to represent the country at the second edition of the Pickleball World Cup, to be held in Florida, USA, from October 27 to November 2, 2025, under the sanction of the Global Pickleball Federation.
The Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) is the international governing body for pickleball, working to unite national goals and push toward Olympic inclusion.

The trials witnessed participation from over 140 top players from across India, including Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, West Bengal, Assam, Odisha, Haryana, and Rajasthan, all vying for a spot in Team India. Selections were made across three categories: Open, Under-16, and 50+.
Nationwide pickleball efforts in India include state-level tournaments and significant growth in player base, as AIPA has hosted many national and club events over the years.

Open Category
Men’s Singles: Aman Patel
Women’s Singles: Amrita Mukherjee
Men’s Doubles: Dhiren Patel & Suraj Desai
Women’s Doubles: Rakshikha Ravi & Sindoor Mittal
These selections bring hope for India to compete well internationally, where having strong pairs and singles players is critical for success.

Under-16 Category
Girls: Aayra Khanna & Anushka Chhabaria
Boys: Veer Shah & Vivan Patel
Including Under-16 players shows focus on youth development—grassroots nurturing is key, similar to programs AIPA supports.

50+ Category
Men’s Doubles: Suryaveer Singh Bhullar & Nitten Kirtane
Women’s Doubles: Bela Kotwani & Sujay Parekh
Having a 50+ category shows pickleball is truly for life; many play well beyond youth, reflecting the sport’s inclusivity.

Speaking at the closing of the trials, Mr. Aalap Sharma, Treasurer and Selection Committee Chairman, IPA, “This is a proud and historic moment for Indian pickleball…”
IPA is active on social channels, calling itself the official NSF for pickleball in India, and noted affiliation with GPF.

He added, “The formation of a national team under the official recognition of MYAS and SAI marks a turning point for pickleball in India…”
Government recognition via MYAS and SAI boosts sports legitimacy and funding, helping with development and potential Olympic pathways. The timing of these trials aligned with National Sports Day celebrations, concluding the trials as a meaningful tribute to India’s growing sporting culture. National Sports Day, observed in India in late August, is a time to celebrate athletic achievement. This timing adds symbolic weight to the trials.

The Indian contingent will now enter a training and preparation phase, overseen by the IPA’s high-performance team, before flying to Florida in October. With pickleball’s popularity soaring in India and globally, Team India’s participation is expected to further boost the sport’s presence and inspire a new generation of athletes.
Pickleball is growing globally. GPF recently launched a coaching endorsement program and a unified rating system, helping players and coaches. Within India, plans include many more courts and even a franchise-based league launching in 2025.

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) is the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball in India, officially recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The IPA is dedicated to promoting, governing, and developing the sport of pickleball across the country, with a mission to create a robust sporting ecosystem that nurtures talent and provides opportunities for athletes to succeed at all levels. The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA)’s official site provides more about its mission, vision, training, state affiliations, and governing structure.