ALL INDIA PICKLEBALL ASSOCIATION (AIPA) has announced the appointment of four of its key members to major leadership positions within the Asian Federation of Pickleball (AFP), marking a significant milestone in India’s growing influence on the continental stage.
Arvind Prabhoo, president of AIPA, has been unanimously elected as the president of the AFP, the association confirmed in an official statement.
Joining him in the new leadership team are Rajath Kankar, elected as second vice president; Chetan Sanil, who secured the post of secretary with an impressive seven out of eight votes; and Hemant Phalphar, nominated as the AFP’s Representative to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA).
Representing India in the AFP elections, Nikhil Arun Mathure, treasurer of AIPA and country representative for India cast his vote, underscoring the country’s active participation and growing role in the federation’s governance.
Established in 2016, the AFP serves as the governing body for the sport’s promotion, development, and coordination across Asia. Since becoming a permanent member, India, through AIPA, has played a pivotal role in driving the sport’s growth through grassroots initiatives, hosting international tournaments, and raising competitive standards, helping position Asia as one of the fastest-growing regions for pickleball worldwide.
Prabhoo said, “This is a proud day for Indian pickleball and a recognition of our journey so far. The trust and support from our Asian counterparts reflect the progress we’ve made together. Our focus will now be on deepening partnerships across countries, enhancing competition structures, and creating more opportunities for young athletes to shine on the global stage.”
