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Chennai’s coastline was abuzz as the Rise Up Championship – Pickleball By The Bay 2025, the first-ever Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) sanctioned PWR 1000 tournament in India, brought together the nation’s top pickleball talent this weekend (September 26-28). Overlooking the sea, the courts weren’t just a stage for competition -they became a showcase of the sport’s growing popularity, accessibility, and fitness appeal. Kunal Pokharna, Chief Referee of PWR in Pickleball, is ecastatic about the event, India's biggest to date. “This is the first PWR 1000 tournament in India, and it’s not just a regular event,” Kunal told Pickleball Now. “We have handpicked the top players of India. From the first round itself, the intensity is extremely high. All the athletes are giving their best on the courts. And the view—the organiser has arranged a sea view—is just crazy. We’re really enjoying every moment of the tournament.” The popularity of pickleball has surged rapidly in India, especially post-pandemic. “Pickleball has picked up pretty well because of its ease to play. Anyone from any age group can come in and enjoy playing the game in just a couple of days,” Kunal explained. “The best part about this game is that you can enjoy it with your parents, friends, or anyone from any age group. It’s injury-free and easy to learn. From 6 to 60, anybody can play. We even have a 70-plus category in national tournaments. Across India, we’re seeing 5–10 tournaments every week, and the sport has grown tremendously in the last 1–2 years," he added. Kunal emphasised that prior experience in racquet sports helps, but it’s not essential. “This is a very easy-to-learn and enjoyable game. Even if you have no experience, you can start playing professionally in a couple of months.” The Rise Up Championship featured top athletes across five categories: men’s and women’s singles, men’s and women’s doubles, and mixed doubles. Only the top 32 and 16 entries were selected, ensuring that “all the matches happening here are fire,” Kunal noted. 'Not just a sport - it's a social sport' When asked why pickleball is becoming a go-to fitness option, Kunal underlined its social and engaging nature: “Those who do not want to go to the gym choose Pickleball to stay fit. It’s not just a sport—it’s a social sport. You come with friends or family, and you enjoy every moment on court. At the gym, you sweat for an hour, but here you’re laughing, moving, and having fun. And the best part? It’s injury-free. We even have parent-child events in Delhi and across India.” Officiating a PWR 1000 tournament comes with unique challenges. “The main difference between Pickleball and other racket sports is the kitchen line. Players cannot play a volley shot entering that zone. No other sport has this rule,” Kunal explains. “Other nuances include the serve—it must be downward, with the paddle below the wrist. Officials ensure these rules are followed, but rallies continue unless called out. Players’ calls are always respected.” For fans curious about Pickleball’s roots, Kunal breaks down the similarities and differences with other racket sports: Table Tennis: The ball and paddle are slightly bigger than in table tennis. Badminton: Court dimensions are borrowed from badminton, with minor inner-line differences. Tennis: Playing style, serves, and drives are similar to tennis, though in doubles players stand just 7 feet from the net, executing the dreaded DINK shot—a controlled drop below the net that challenges even seasoned tennis players. “Drive shots, services, smashes—they’re all reminiscent of tennis and badminton. But Pickleball has its own character, pace, and strategy, which makes it exciting for players and spectators alike,” Kunal signed off.
