Digitising sport: Apps bring players, venues together
From wearable trackers for cyclists and step counting to the use of AI analytics in assessing athletes’ performance across games, technology has permeated the lives of sports enthusiasts in multiple ways.
The latest fad in Jalandhar is the use of an app to book slots at various sports facilities. Following the growing popularity of games such as box cricket, pickleball and paddle ball in recent months, the city’s youth are increasingly turning to the Hudle app. The platform is not only used to book courts, grounds and pitches but also to find playing partners.
The app, launched as a start-up in Delhi, has only recently begun operations in Jalandhar. Given the city’s strong sporting culture, its services have quickly gained traction.
“I am very fond of pickleball since the game was introduced here about a year ago. There are now at least 10 pickleball courts in Jalandhar. If I plan to play over a weekend at a venue near my home, the most suitable option is to book a one-hour slot well in advance and ensure I do not have to wait for my turn. Booking a slot online via my phone or laptop is the most convenient way,” said Seerat Kaur, a tech professional with a private firm.
In Jalandhar, nine pickleball courts can be booked via Hudle — Velocity Sports Arena at Ambedkar Chowk, Matchpoint at Jawahar Nagar, Eastwood Village near Khajurla, The Serve Club on 66-feet Road, Pickle Project at La Blossoms School, Eco Sports Hub in Eco Homes Society, Raizada Hansraj Stadium, Pickle Grynd at Urban Estate, and The Padel Club at Wadala village. The Jullundur Gymkhana Club also offers the facility, although bookings are not available through the app.
There are also six box cricket options available on the platform in the city, including Velocity Sports Arena, Powerplay Turf, Royal Stumps Box Cricket, Kick n Hit, Gully Cricket near Johal Market, and Probox Arena.
A key advantage of booking through the app is the availability of star ratings for each facility, variable pricing for different games across centres, and discount offers. It also indicates whether a venue provides coaching for beginners.
Other apps, such as Playo, offer similar services. These platforms also provide information on combinations of facilities available at various centres — such as cricket alongside pickleball, or swimming alongside table tennis — all at a single location.
