The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the body that lays claim to governing the fledgling sport in India, has inked a long term deal with Natekar Sports and Gaming (NSG) to organise a pickleball league in India.
NSG is founded and promoted by Gaurav Natekar, former India no 1 tennis player, double Asian Games gold medallist and Arjuna Awardee.
Pickleball, a sport thriving in over 92 countries globally with an impressive number of active players, is experiencing unprecedented growth. In India, the game has found a solid footing, being played across 21 states with the participation of over 15,000 enthusiasts. AIPA is dedicated to nurturing grassroots
development and providing a platform for emerging talents. The collaboration with NSG marks a significant step towards amplifying the sport’s reach across the nation.
This pioneering league is not only a testament to the commitment of AIPA and NSG to the sport in India but also positions Indian pickleball on the international stage, catering to a global audience of players, fans, and sponsors. The exclusive collaboration underscores a shared vision to elevate pickleball’s status and provide a platform for sustained development at both grassroots and professional levels.
Talking about the partnership, Arvind Prabhoo, AIPA president and also a member of the International Pickleball Federation, said, “I am thrilled to announce our ground-breaking collaboration with Natekar Sports and Gaming for ‘first of its kind’ Pickleball league in India, which will not only see Indian athletes but also international athletes participating in it. This historic partnership not only reflects our commitment to advancing the sport but also signifies a pivotal moment in fostering talent, promoting grassroots development, and placing Indian pickleball firmly on the international sports map.
“Together with Natekar Sports and Gaming, we embark on a journey to propel the growth of pickleball, providing a platform for our Indian athletes to shine and enthusiasts worldwide to embrace the joy of this rapidly evolving sport.”
Commenting on the proposed league, Natekar noted, “With the tremendous growth of pickleball in other parts of the world, we believe pickleball in India has tremendous potential as it’s a sport that cuts across barriers, age groups and is fun to play. AIPA has been doing some great work at the grass root level for the game and we are delighted to work with AIPA in providing a local and global platform through the league to promote the sport in India.
“We are working on an innovative and exciting format for the league that will be spectator and fan friendly whilst giving our Indian pickleball players and aficionados an opportunity to not only watch, but also play alongside some of the best players in the world.”
