The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the governing body for pickleball in India, has appointed Mandira Bedi — celebrated actress, fashion designer, and television presenter — as the official brand ambassador for pickleball in India.
This partnership marks a significant step in AIPA’s mission to expand the sport’s reach and inclusivity, particularly among women.
Mandira Bedi, known for her roles in entertainment and her advocacy for fitness, is now a passionate pickleball player. Her involvement is expected to inspire a broader audience to take up the sport, especially women. AIPA aims to leverage her influential persona to reinforce pickleball’s identity as a fun, accessible, and dynamic activity.
Speaking about her new role, Mandira Bedi shared, “I really love and enjoy playing pickleball. It is accessible, fun, and a great way to stay fit. I have been passionate about pickleball for a while, and now the association has grown stronger, as the All India Pickleball Association has announced me as the brand ambassador for the sport, which is growing so fast! It’s inspiring to see how the sport is evolving and I hope my journey inspires many more women to pick up a paddle and join this vibrant community.
“It was a wonderful experience to be a part of the WPC Series, both as a brand ambassador and as a participant. Being involved in such an exciting and dynamic event, where the passion for pickleball is so evident, was truly rewarding. I am privileged and grateful for this opportunity to be part of the sport and to encourage more people, especially women, to get involved.”
Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, added, “We are proud to announce Mandira Bedi as the face of Pickleball in India, Mandira dons many hats – from actress and cricket anchor to author and fitness icon – and now adds another with her role in AIPA. Her boundless energy and unwavering dedication resonate with both our association and the spirit of Pickleball. She is truly the perfect choice to inspire and lead the growth of this sport across India, especially among women and new players.”
Sunil Valavalkar, Founder of AIPA, continued, “AIPA is delighted to announce Mandira Bedi as its Brand Ambassador. Her reputation as a sports enthusiast, fitness advocate, and influential personality aligns perfectly with our mission to promote Pickleball across India. We look forward to working together to grow the sport. Mandira Bedi’s involvement will significantly enhance AIPA’s efforts to promote Pickleball, encourage participation, and develop the sport nationwide.”
Mandira’s appointment aligns with a global trend in pickleball, where women account for 40% of the player base and are joining the sport at an accelerating pace. Her presence is expected to amplify this momentum, encouraging more women to explore the sport.
Bedi’s association with AIPA heralds an exciting new chapter for pickleball in India. With her leadership and AIPA’s strategic initiatives, the sport is poised to gain broader visibility and attract a more diverse audience, cementing its place as one of the fastest-growing sports in the country.