Copyright timesnownews
Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) Director Dilip Mohanty has rarely made the headlines, and rarer still is his presence on occasions when accolades pour in from all corners, not just for players winning medals at international events, but also for the remarkable work the IPA and PWR have done for the sport in the country. He has been one of the pillars behind India's pickleball revolution in the past couple of years, perhaps the architect behind the applause, working tirelessly behind the nets, away from the spotlight and the shadows of glory. When Pickleball Now finally caught the man who prefers to stay behind the scenes, Mohanty's words echoed purpose over spotlight ahead of the IPA Nationals scheduled to be held at The Sports School, Kanakapura, Bengaluru, from November 13 to 16, and it didn't come as a surprise that the conversation started from there. "Running a national event like the IPA Nationals is a blend of precision and passion. The biggest lesson is that excellence lies in the details, from scheduling matches to athlete hospitality; every touchpoint shapes the event’s legacy. Clear communication, early planning, and empowering local committees have proven essential. Most importantly, it’s about creating an ecosystem where every participant, from volunteers to top players, feels valued and part of something bigger than themselves," the IPA Director said. His mission goes beyond tournaments. It’s about building a movement powered by people, one where diversity is celebrated, inclusion is intentional, and passion fuels progress. "Parity begins with access. The IPA has been intentional in spreading events and camps beyond the metros, taking pickleball to emerging hubs like Bulandshahr, Dimapur, Kohima, Guwahati, and Bhubaneswar. For instance, we recently organized the All India Inter DPS Pickleball Tournament in Bulandshahr, which saw enthusiastic participation from young players across the country. By standardising tournament formats, ranking systems, and coaching frameworks, we ensure that every player, regardless of where they come from, competes on equal footing. At the same time, our recreational circuits and community programs ensure that the social spirit of pickleball — its heart remains inclusive and welcoming to all," he believed. When asked about IPA's plans in channeling the inclusive nature of the sport that attracts players across ages and backgrounds into formal pathways of development and representation, Mohanty reckoned, "That diversity is pickleball’s greatest strength. We’re translating it into structured development through certified coaching programs, junior talent pathways, and gender-balanced leadership roles. Initiatives like the IPA Coaching Framework and the National Ranking Tour are helping players move from local courts to national and even international stages. At the same time, we’re ensuring that representation in committees and events reflects the sport’s true diversity — across gender, age, and geography." With the Karnataka Pickleball Association set to host the IPA Nationals for the first time, Mohanty stressed the important role state associations play in making pickleball reach every nook and corner of the country. "State associations are the backbone of Indian pickleball. They are the eyes and ears of the IPA on the ground, helping us understand regional challenges and opportunities. We work closely with them not only in conducting tournaments but also in coach education, grassroots outreach, and infrastructure partnerships. The Karnataka Pickleball Association, for instance, has been exemplary in building strong community engagement and hosting top-tier events, setting a model for other states to emulate," he revealed. "It’s a people’s movement — where passion meets purpose, and a simple paddle game is transforming into a national phenomenon powered by community, camaraderie, and belief," Mohany concluded with a smile when asked to describe the current Indian pickleball movement in one sentence, not just as an administrator but as a believer. 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 also 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. Stay connected with all the latest news on Pickleball, exclusive behind-the-scenes content, tips, and inspiration you won't find anywhere else. Your ultimate destination for all things pickleball – where the community comes together for news, views, and the sport that's sweeping the globe. Follow us at @pickleballnow on Instagram and be part of the community!
