IPA condemns unauthorised tournament in Jammu; warns against misrepresentation

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 8 (ANI): The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the sole National Sports Federation for Pickleball under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has issued a public warning against the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and the Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Pickleball Association (JKAPA).

The notice addresses AIPA's plan to hold an unauthorised tournament in Jammu from September 26-28, which is being incorrectly referred to as a "National Event," as per a release from IPA.

The IPA clarifies that, as per the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA) 2025, only officially recognised bodies are permitted to use the terms "national" or "India" in their names or events. IPA, as the governing body for pickleball in India, has exclusive authority to organise official national championships.

"Such activities risk creating confusion among players, sponsors, and government bodies, including the J&K Government and the State Olympic Association," said Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, Indian Pickleball Association.

"We want to reassure the sports community that the only official National Championship for pickleball will be conducted by the IPA in Bangalore in November 2025, with due notification to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the relevant state authorities."

The IPA has demanded that AIPA immediately cancel the event and notify all players and interested parties. Failure to comply will result in the IPA pursuing legal action against both AIPA and JKAPA, seeking both civil and criminal remedies, including claims for financial damages.

IPA is the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball in India, officially recognised 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. (ANI)

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