Ludhiana emerges as hub of pickleball in region

With a strong following across the world and a significant professional circuit, including tournaments such as Wimbledon, Australian Open and French Open, lawn tennis has a rich history of global popularity. Pickleball, however, has been considerably less popular than tennis. But now the sport is rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, with a significant surge in players and enthusiasts.

Pickleball is attracting players of various age groups in India, with many communities, clubs and schools incorporating the game into their recreational offerings. The popularity of this game is spreading to various regions, including Punjab and Ludhiana in particular. Its growing appeal in the state can be attributed to its engaging game play and the ease with which people of all age groups can learn and play it.

According to a data, till April this year, pickleball was getting an overwhelming response at 159 per cent growth rate, over 50,000 players have embraced the sport and thousands of courts have sprung up across the country. Currently, with over 10,000 players active in the sport, pickleball is becoming a favourite among Indians, potentially even rivalling cricket in the near future.

Although pickleball is not yet recognised by the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), earlier this year received official recognition as the National Federation for Pickleball (NFP) from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as the governing body for pickleball in India. This recognition is a significant step towards promoting the sport and potentially paving the way for its inclusion in events like the Asian Games and Olympics.

Vikram Jeet Singh, secretary, Punjab Pickleball Association (PPA) said the Indian team dominated at the Asian Pickleball Championship held in Vietnam last year, securing four golds, and two bronze medals.

“The enthusiasm among pickleball enthusiasts is palpable. With the sports’ growing popularity, increasing participation and efforts by the IPA, it’s possible that pickleball could become a highly popular sport in India. The sport’s unique blend of accessibility, social interaction and competitive excitement could certainly help it gain widespread recognition and admiration,” he said.

The association is actively working to support the sport’s growth through organised tournaments, coaching programmes, and by facilitating infrastructure development across the state.

Jaipreet Singh, founder of VJJS Pickleball Hub, Ludhiana, who is closely associated with promoting the sport, said the city was emerging as one of the fastest-growing hubs for the game’s enthusiasts in the country. Investors are moving quickly to become part of this booming sports ecosystem. This sport provides a great workout without putting excessive strain on joints, making it an attractive option for those, seeking low-impact exercise, he said.

“Ludhiana has over a dozen pickleball courts and will have over 100 courts within the next three months. By 2026, the number is projected to cross 200. These courts are designed to international standards and support structured coaching programmes, league matches and open play for people of all skill levels,” said Jaipreet.

The North Zone Pickleball Championship will be held here at the GRD Academy, Hambran Road, on August 23 and 24.