India is entering an exciting new era with the launch of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), a franchise-based tournament that aims to make pickleball a household name. Scheduled from December 1 to 7 at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, New Delhi, the league promises to bring fast-paced rallies, team spirit, and a fresh sporting culture to India. What makes this moment special is not just the beginning of a new league, but the beginning of a new community—one that connects people across generations, cities, and backgrounds through a simple paddle and a plastic ball 

A Sport for Everyone: Pickleball’s Growing Popularity

Pickleball may be new to many Indians, but around the world it has already become one of the fastest-growing sports—and for good reason. It is incredibly easy to learn, requires very little equipment, and is accessible to people of any age, from children to grandparents. The sport blends a friendly, social charm with just the right amount of competitive excitement. Speaking at the Chennai launch event, Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin highlighted this inclusive nature.

Unveiling the First Five Franchises

The league introduced its first five teams, each representing a major Indian city, and unveiled their jerseys in front of team owners, players, and sports fans. The teams for the 2025 season are Chennai Super Warriors, Bengaluru Blasters, Capital Warriors Gurgaon, Hyderabad Royals, and Mumbai Smashers, with a sixth team expected to be announced soon. Each franchise hopes to create its own loyal fanbase, just like cricket and kabaddi leagues did when they first started. The excitement during the jersey launch made it clear that pickleball’s journey in India is only beginning, and the enthusiasm around it is truly growing.

Tamil Nadu: Leading the Pickleball Movement

Tamil Nadu has quietly but steadily played a major role in promoting pickleball in India. Earlier this year, the Sports Development Authority of Tamil Nadu (SDAT) organized the first Tamil Nadu Pickleball Premier League, and Chennai also hosted India’s first-ever PWR 1000 “Pickleball by the Bay” tournament, the highest-ranking event in the country. These initiatives created excitement at the grassroots level and encouraged more people to try the sport. Many young players were introduced to pickleball through these tournaments, inspiring them to practice harder, compete with confidence, and dream bigger.

A Vision Beyond Competition

The IPBL is more than just a sporting event; it is a long-term vision for the future of pickleball in India. The league aims to create a proper platform for Indian players, encourage the sport’s growth at the grassroots level, and give athletes the opportunity to compete professionally. It also hopes to build a strong fan culture around this new sport while promoting fitness and social bonding across all age groups. Pickleball has always been a community game; families enjoy playing it together, seniors appreciate its simplicity, and youngsters love its speed. Through the IPBL, this community spirit is now set to shine on a national stage.

Looking Ahead: A Sport Ready to Take Off

The Indian Pickleball League’s debut season is expected to set the tone for the future. With strong support from Tamil Nadu, rising athletes like Mihika, and new franchises eager to grow, pickleball in India is on the verge of something big. If the first season succeeds, India could soon see city-level academies, school and college competitions, and international players joining future editions. A fan base that cheers for teams like Chennai Super Warriors or Mumbai Smashers just like they do for cricket and football, Pickleball may look simple, but it carries the power to unite, energize, and transform. And India is ready for it.