Pickleball, a dynamic and fast-paced sport that combines the best elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been rapidly gaining popularity in India. Its simple yet engaging rules and its emphasis on social interaction have made it a favourite among players of diverse ages and abilities.
According to data from Hudle, a leading platform for sports enthusiasts in India, the number of pickleball players and courts has been steadily increasing. In just 18 months, the platform has seen over 50,000 players participate in at least one pickleball game, and the number of courts has grown to nearly 500.
Unlike traditional sports that have typically been associated with urban elites, Pickleball has managed to reach not just metropolitan areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore but also smaller cities and towns like Jaipur, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, Surat, and Ambala. The sport's accessibility is driving its widespread appeal in tier-two, tier-three, and even tier-four towns, making it a grassroots-level success.
According to insights from Hudle, a leading sports platform, the number of people showing interest in Pickleball has been rising consistently. "When we look at our data on our platform, we feel that it's going to become a household activity over the next five years," says Suhail Narain, the founder and CEO of Hudle, a sports-tech platform.
"It will not be an elite or an urban sport only. We're seeing people play Pickleball not just in big cities but also in smaller towns.
Numbers Tell the Story
The trajectory of Pickleball's growth is evident from the figures shared by Hudle. The first pickleball court was launched approximately 18 months ago, in April 2023. Today, India boasts nearly 500 pickleball courts, with Hudle hosting around 474 to 480 of these. In addition, over 50,000 players have played at least once during this time frame, underscoring the sport's rapid expansion. Hudle is currently actively working with approximately 500 pickleball courts across India.
Key Cities and Regions:
Mumbai: With 120 courts, Mumbai stands as a major hub for pickleball in India.
Delhi NCR: The Delhi National Capital Region boasts 80 pickleball courts, catering to the enthusiastic player base in the region.
Ahmedabad: The city of Ahmedabad has witnessed a remarkable surge in pickleball popularity, with 50 courts now available.
Bangalore, Vadodara, Hyderabad, Jaipur, and Chennai: These cities have a growing number of pickleball courts, ranging from 20 to 40 each.
Expanding to Tier-2 Cities: Surat, Pune, Bhopal, Indore, Ambala, and Chandigarh are among the cities that have embraced pickleball, with 5 to 10 courts each.
Given its low cost, minimal space requirements, and inclusive nature, Pickleball could outpace other sports in popularity among the masses. "From a recreational level, it may become even bigger because it's easier to play and participate regularly," Suhail added.
The Path Ahead
Pickleball's rise in India is a testament to the evolving preferences of sports enthusiasts in the country. As more people from diverse backgrounds take up the paddle, the game has the potential to become an activity that brings communities together. "Like gully cricket, we may see Pickleball being played in every nook and corner. Because all we need is a flat surface," opined Suhail.
In India, Pickleball is most popular in the country's Western half—"You know, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, sort of the Gujarat and Maharashtra, that belt. It has probably the most courts and the most players today."
But having said that, it's a fast-changing landscape. "Because new courts are coming up across the country month-on-month, we are adding 40 to 50 new courts every month. So it is only a matter of time before you find this sport being played throughout the country," Suhail concluded.
Times Group and Bennett University have been the trailblazers for pickleball in India. The sport has witnessed tremendous growth not just in India, but all across the globe. With more and more fans taking up the sport, Bennett University has been the flagbearer when it comes to spreading pickleball mania all over the country. BU is the first University to have 10 pickleball courts, the highest among all other educational institutes in the nation.
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