Pickleball in India: The Fastest Growing Sport Taking Over the Nation

February 28, 2025

🎾 Pickleball has gone from a niche curiosity to one of India's fastest-growing organised sports in just a few years — and the numbers back it up.

📈 The Growth, By the Numbers

Active participation has jumped roughly 150%, from around 60,000 players in 2024 to over 150,000 in 2026. Court infrastructure has grown even faster — a sixfold increase, from about 200 courts in early 2024 to more than 1,200 operational courts by early 2026, as urban spaces like parking structures, rooftops, and converted badminton courts get repurposed for the sport.

🏓 How It Started in India

Pickleball's Indian journey traces back to Sunil Valavalkar, who discovered the sport in the US and introduced it to friends and family after returning home. He went on to found the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) in 2008, which now governs national rankings, tournaments, and India's international representation.

🌆 Why It's Catching On

Low space requirement — roughly one-third the footprint of a tennis court, making it viable in dense urban areas
Low setup cost — existing badminton or tennis courts can often be converted
Age and gender agnostic — accessible to a wide range of players and fitness levels
Non-contact, low-impact — appealing for fitness-focused and older players alike

🏗️ What It Costs to Build a Court

Industry estimates put court construction costs in the ₹3–6 lakh range, depending on surface quality, fencing, and lighting — a relatively accessible entry point compared to larger sports infrastructure.