By Tn Sports Desk
Copyright timesnownews
The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the officially recognized National Sports Federation (NSF) by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports for the sport of Pickleball in India, clarifies recent developments regarding the unauthorized use of the word “Nationals” by the All India Pickleball Association. IPA had through its notice dated 4th September 2025, called upon AIPA not to misrepresent and use the title ‘Nationals’ for their privately organized event being conducted in Jammu on 26th to 28th September. In its reply dated 10th September 2025, AIPA has stated that the event scheduled in Jammu & Kashmir from 26th to 28th September is a private event. Subsequent to the legal notice, AIPA has revised its description of the Jammu event. What was previously advertised as a “Nationals” is now being termed a “National Level Championship.” This change in terminology signals that the tournament is not the official nationals, but rather a private meet without formal sanction or recognition. As AIPA is not the recognised NSF for the sport of Pickleball in India and does not have the right to claim a private event being held by it as an official “National” event. The official Pickleball Nationals will be conducted under the aegis of the IPA in Bengaluru, Karnataka, from 13th to 16th November 2025. This will be the only event to carry National Ranking points. Any private event inter alia the event being held in Jammu will not be carrying any ranking points and will not be recognized for State Level or National Ranking Tournaments. The IPA is also hosting the official PWR 1000 Rise Up Championship in Chennai from 26th – 28th September. This Tournament forms part of the IPA sanctioned ranking circuit and will entitle players to earn valuable Ranking Points for their respective Districts, State and National representation. Players are encouraged to participate in the Rise Up Championship, Chennai (PWR 1000), and the IPA Nationals, Bengaluru (PWR 2000), to secure valuable PWR Ranking points. These points will play a key role in qualification for the Indian National Team as well as for State Teams. The IPA remains committed to ensuring clarity, transparency, and fair opportunities for all players, while upholding the integrity of the sport in India in compliance with the National Sports Governance Act, 2025 and looks forward to welcoming participants to these official tournaments.
