Pickleball is gaining massive popularity in New Delhi as the city prepares for the PWR DUPR India Masters tournament. This event, hosted by Pickleball World Rankings (PWR), will run from October 24 to 27. Hundreds of international players will compete, making it an important step in the growth of pickleball in India.
Pickleball's popularity is undeniable and added to that, the PWR DUPR India Masters is offering a prize money of $50,000 and, with it, a chance to climb the global rankings.
However, across the globe a different kind of pickleball mania is gathering speed in the United States. As the 2024 elections approach, pickleball has become a way for political campaigns. The sport, particularly popular among older adults and suburban communities, has caught the attention of both the Republican and Democratic parties—two key voter demographics ahead of the November 5 election.
Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris see pickleball as a way to connect with voters. Trump's campaign has launched a line of custom pickleball paddles and accessories. The Democratic Party and the Harris-Walz campaign are holding pop-up pickleball events to attract older voters.
Meanwhile, according to recent data, the popularity of pickleball in India has skyrocketed, with a remarkable 159 per cent increase in the number of players from 2019 to 2022. This surge underscores the sport's widespread appeal across different age groups.
The USA has the most pickleball players in the world and is considered to be a pickleball powerhouse. According to DUPR (Dynamic Universal Pickleball Rating), the US is first in terms of player participation. It is no longer just a sport for recreation, as it now has established leagues and major tournaments.
The PWR DUPR India Masters is happening in New Delhi. At the same time, U.S. election campaigns are using the sport's growing popularity. This shows that pickleball has become more than just a fun activity.
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