India is poised to make history as it hosts the inaugural World Pickleball Championship Series in November 2024. The prestigious tournament, scheduled to take place from November 12-17 in Mumbai, will bring together top players from around the globe, showcasing the sport’s growing popularity and India’s rising prominence in the pickleball world.
Organised by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) in partnership with the World Pickleball League (WPBL), the championship is expected to feature over 650 participants from 6-7 countries, including Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore. The event aims to not only highlight the exceptional talent of Indian pickleball players but also to foster the sport’s development within the country.
AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo, expressed his enthusiasm for the championship, stating, “We are extremely proud to bring the World Pickleball Championship Series to India. This is not only a great opportunity for the Pickleball community to witness global talent on an Indian stage, but also a chance for us to promote the growth of the sport at all levels. We’re excited to host this international level championship and inspire people across generations and geographies to take up pickleball, both as a competitive career and a leisure activity.”
Jan Papi, Founder of Pickleball Global and the WPC Series, echoed this sentiment, saying, “We are thrilled to see the World Pickleball Championship Series being held in India for the first time. India has incredible potential for the sport, and we’re eager to collaborate with AIPA to further elevate the profile of Pickleball both in India and internationally.”
Indian teams have consistently demonstrated their prowess in previous legs of the championship, and the tournament will provide a platform for Indian players to compete against the best in the world and showcase their skills to a global audience.
The World Pickleball Championship Series is expected to attract significant attention from both pickleball enthusiasts and casual sports fans alike. With its unique blend of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, pickleball has been gaining popularity worldwide, and the Indian championship is poised to further elevate its profile.
In addition to the championship, India has been actively promoting pickleball growth through various initiatives. The All India Pickleball Association has recently entered into commercial agreements with Branquila Brand Ventures, KheloMore, and Skechers, while Natekar Sports & Gaming has secured a strategic investment from Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures India, further solidifying India’s position as a global hub for the sport.
