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India’s first-ever PWR 1000 pickleball tournament has brought the country’s top players to Chennai’s coastline, with the scenic backdrop of the sea adding a unique charm to the competition. For the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), the event is more than matches, it’s a statement of how far the sport has come. “This is a very high-level event wherein we have the top players coming from all over India,” said Suryaveer Singh, President of the Indian Pickleball Association. “We have more than 100 players participating in different categories. The entries were limited this time because the idea was to have only the top players taking part.” From men’s singles and doubles to mixed doubles and women’s draws, the country’s best have been hand-picked. “The layout of the courts next to the beach, the atmosphere, the live music, I think this is one of its kind,” Singh said. The setting isn’t the only highlight. According to Singh, Pickleball’s growth in India has been rapid, particularly in the southern states. “Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in India now, not only in the world. We have seen growth in Chennai, Bangalore, as well as Coimbatore and Thiruvananthapuram. In the last year especially, I’ve seen a lot of players coming out from the southern part of India.” And his message to those who haven’t tried the sport yet is simple: “Pickleball is a great sport, both for fun as well as for your health. It was recently voted as the healthiest sport for anybody. Come out and play — it’s a sport for the family. Everyone can play this sport.” From the youngest five-year-olds to septuagenarians, Singh has seen all ages embrace the paddle. “Every sport has injuries, but yes, this is a sport that anyone can play from 7 to 70. In Guwahati, I saw a 77-year-old competing. And in Chennai’s last PWR 100, a five-year-old took part. At our academy in Ahmedabad, seven- and eight-year-olds are already playing.” Manish Rao of the Global Pickleball Federation agrees that the Chennai event is a turning point. “This is the first PWR 1000 happening in India, and what this tournament has done is unique. It’s a knockout event, you are playing the best teams right from the first round. Normally you have round-robins and leagues, but this is a revolution. The level of the game is next level out there.” For him, the ambience is just as important. “True to its name, it’s Pickleball by the bay. I come from Mumbai, but having such events in Chennai is really good. The whole atmosphere is electric.” Rao also believes the sport’s accessibility is its biggest strength. “Pickleball has changed things in India because it’s an easy sport to play. That’s its USP — very easy to start, but when you try to master it, it’s difficult. Gen Z has started playing this sport, and that’s why it’s really taken up.” Post-COVID, the boom has been undeniable. “In Coimbatore, the growth has been phenomenal. It’s really surprising how well the sport has been taken up. Pickleball is here to stay because it can be played by all age groups — from 8 to 80.” For newcomers, Rao’s pitch is direct: “If you are not aware of Pickleball, then you are definitely missing out on something in life. It’s a combination of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Within 5–10 minutes on court, you will be hitting the ball across the net. That’s the advantage. It’s social, it’s fun, it’s easy on the body, and it’s here to stay.” As the waves crash along Chennai’s shoreline and the country’s best fight it out on court, the message from the game’s leaders is clear: Pickleball is no longer just arriving in India — it’s here to stay, and it’s only getting bigger. Rise Up Championship : A Tournament Unlike Any Other The Rise Up Championship is India's first PWR 1000 tournament, placing it among the top global pickleball events. Players can earn valuable points and recognition. Uniquely, the matches will take place on temporary courts on a resort's beach lawns, surrounded by palm trees and the ocean. This beach setting makes pickleball more than just a game. Athletes will face challenges such as humidity and wind, while fans can enjoy sunset parties, live music, and beach festivities, transforming the tournament into a lively celebration. About Indian Pickleball Association: The Indian Pickleball Association is the official governing body for pickleball in India and is dedicated to promoting, developing, and organising the sport across the country. The association continues to inspire players of all ages and skill levels to embrace the game through events like the IPA Nationals. IPA is affiliated with the Asian Pickleball Association (APA) and the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). About Pickleball World Ranking: PWR is a national ranking system that spans all age groups, skill divisions, and formats -including singles, doubles, and mixed categories. It serves as the official National Sports Federation Ranking for India. With multiple sanctioned events taking place every week across the country, PWR defines the top Indian players at every level and forms the foundation for team selection at the school, district, state, and national stages.
