Pickleball, often described as the fastest-growing sport in America, is sweeping across the globe, making its mark particularly strong in India. What started as casual backyard games has evolved rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic, showcasing its social appeal and ease of play, drawing players of all ages and backgrounds to its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.
Take Pam Lippy, for example. This former competitive tennis player from New Albany picked up pickleball during the pandemic. She and her friend Dr. Jerry Stern turned his basement—a makeshift court where many heads were bumped against the ceiling—into what they playfully dubbed “a secret pickleball speakeasy.” Fast forward to now, and Pam has truly mastered the game, achieving national recognition after competing at various tournaments across the country.
Lippy’s breakthrough moment came during her first tournament in South Florida back in December 2021, where she excelled not only by winning ladies' doubles but also stepping up to substitute for another player and clinching victory in mixed doubles as well. Not someone to rest on her laurels, she became well-known on the tournament circuit, including triumphing at the Boca Raton Pickler Survivor Challenge.
More than just competing, Pam became part of the Boca Raton Picklers, where her team recently secured the National Pickleball League championship title. Practicing at clubs like Paddle Taps, she emphasizes the communal aspect of the sport, describing it as exceptionally social and even addicting. “It’s physical, extremely social, and was the perfect antidote to the Covid situation,” she said, noting the community bonds formed through the game.
Interestingly, pickleball's appeal spans demographics—from young kids to senior citizens. Bill Taylor, the head teaching pro at Paddle Taps, affirmed its inclusive nature. He shared his experience of witnessing players from diverse backgrounds unite on the courts, stating, “It’s the most unifying sport I’ve ever seen.” Lippy echoed this sentiment, praising the sense of belonging and community the sport brings.
Over the ocean, pickleball’s ascension is also prompting the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) to gear up for what they expect will soon be one of India’s leading sports. AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo recently discussed the challenges and opportunities brought by the sport’s increasing popularity, shedding light on how it first gained traction during the pandemic.
India's unwavering love for sports often focuses predominantly on cricket and football, but the tide seems to be shifting. With 65% of the population being young and eager for new ways to engage physically and socially, pickleball fits right in. Arvind pointed out its versatility: “It’s easy to learn, age-agnostic, and gender-agnostic, which makes it competitive yet recreational.” It’s this very adaptability that's fostering community connections among players.
Despite pickleball not yet being included as part of the School Games Federation of India or government-recognized sport under initiatives like Fit India, Arvind remains optimistic. Local efforts are being directed to spread awareness about the sport's benefits thanks to increased media coverage and social networking platforms, paving the way for its commercial viability.
Logistically, the World Pickleball Championships being held now at the Cricket Club of India signifies the sport’s international recognition. Players from around the globe are competing, giving Indian players invaluable experience against some of the best. For many, this is not just about championships but also about testing one’s skills on a global stage.
Arvind outlined the peanut-butter-and-jelly challenges pickleball faces, such as securing funding and sponsorship. The sport's growth means forging partnerships with corporate sponsors—acknowledging the need for support from entities both within and outside sports. They recently partnered with Skechers, marking the beginning of sponsorship collaborations to bolster future grassroots efforts.
While ticket sales and broadcasting rights can typically generate revenue for supporting sports, pickleball’s nascent stage means these traditional income streams are not yet fully realized. Nonetheless, with rising interest, corporate support is anticipated to increase, allowing for the sport's gradual establishment within the crowded Indian sporting arena.
So as communities across the globe embrace their pickleball courts, from Pam Lippy asserting herself as one of America's finest to Arvind Prabhoo’s AIPA pushing for greater recognition, the future looks bright for pickleball. With its innate ability to bring people together, the sport is not merely filling courts—it’s building bonds, creating friendships, and solidifying community engagement. With more tournaments on the calendar and greater representation, this sport stands poised not just to thrive, but to lead where traditional sports have not dared venture. Pickleball may very well reshape the sports narrative, uniting diverse players under one common goal: fun, fitness, and connection.
