Is pickleball the new “it” sport in urban cities?

Imagine a sport that combines the best of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong; is low-effort; doesn't require any training whatsoever; and can even be played in your backyard. That's pickleball for you. It is social media’s new favourite sport that almost everyone is obsessed with, especially those living in urban cities.

This fast-paced, socially engaging game has become the go-to activity for urbanites seeking fun and fitness in equal measure. Similar to tennis in its use of paddles and a wiffle ball, pickleball’s appeal lies in its simplicity. With its easy learning curve and minimalistic setup,  pickleball is not just a game; it’s a sensation reshaping the landscape of urban sports, both internationally as well as in India.

Tracing the roots of pickleball 

Contrary to popular belief, pickleball isn’t a new invention. The sport was introduced by Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum on Bainbridge Island, Washington in 1965, using makeshift equipment—lowered badminton nets, table tennis paddles, and a perforated plastic ball. The formation of the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) in 1984 popularised the sport across the globe, and it finally made its way into India when Sunil Valavalkar introduced the sport in 2008 and founded the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA). The AIPA became formally affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF), USA in 2015 and saw countless tournaments and championships taking place in the country (Bainbridge Cup Tournament), further popularising the sport. Despite this, pickleball wasn’t a popular choice for a pastime sport among the common folk just yet. 

The new “it” sport in India? 

While the cause behind the recent surge in popularity of the game in India is hazy, many have credited its accessibility and the social shifts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a low-impact, easy-to-learn sport, pickleball proved to be the perfect outdoor activity for people seeking safe and engaging ways to stay active. Post-covid, the social media buzz and the establishment of local clubs and venues further fuelled its growth, creating a vibrant community and drawing in players of all ages. 

Interestingly, pickleball was initially reserved for the elderly as a means to stay active and exercise their joints without causing too much strain on their limbs, while youngsters focused on sports like badminton, tennis, basketball, and football, which traditionally dominate the urban sports scene in India. However, post-Covid, pickleball’s fun, inclusive nature and accessibility fanned the flame of curiosity in India’s urban sporting landscape. The minimal equipment, reduced physical strain, and simplified rules make it a perfect option for people of all ages; especially those looking to kickstart their fitness routine but prefer something a little less strenuous.

Moreover, pickleball’s flexibility makes it perfect for small spaces, a big reason why city-dwellers enjoy it so much. Pickleball’s easy-to-understand rules also make it great for beginners, which is probably why celebrities like Leonardo Di Caprio, Kim Kardashian, George and Amal Clooney, and others love the sport so much! Closer to home, Sania Mirza was also seen enjoying a game of pickleball with tennis player Rohan Bopanna and industrialist Anand Piramal ahead of the 2024 Australian Open. Other than Mirza, Bollywood actors such as Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, and Aparshakti Khurrana have also indulged in a game or two of pickleball.

As previously mentioned, though pickleball doesn’t necessarily need a professional court to play, if you are on the lookout for an open space to indulge in this beloved sport, there are some clubs and pickleball venues to try out. These include Global Sports Pickleball Center—Peninsula Corporate Park, Astro Park—Stanislaus Sports Complex, and Belgrave Stadium in Mumbai; Rebound Ace Pickleball Academy and The Ardee Pickleball Court in New Delhi; and Hudle GV Sports in Bengaluru. 

So would you give pickleball a try? 

All images: Unsplash 

Also read: Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu on being an inspiration for young girls in India

Also read: How Sania Mirza paved the way for young Indian women in sports