Inclusivity and ease to play make pickleball an attractive sport for Bengalureans

Bengaluru: For the past six months, the city has seen a new game entering the schedules of many. As hours pass by playing this game for the first time, they find improvements in their game and wouldn't wait long for the next time they meet their newly made mates for another game. That game is none other than Pickleball. Found in the US during the years of the World Wars, it has garnered popularity amongst people here almost a century later.

Carved out of the clothes of Badminton and Tennis, pickleball is generally played in the court of doubles’ and singles.’ According to the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) The serve must be hit underhand and each team must play the first shot off the bounce. The rise of the game can be attributed to its inclusive and welcoming nature, says Piyush Jain, who co-founded "Sprentzo," along with Pravruth. It is a community which actively promotes pickleball, among other sports, in recreational spaces, ensuring that anyone can step onto the Dohacourt.

“You don’t have to worry about finding a teammate, owning a paddle (racquet), or even knowing the rules beforehand. It’s a game that’s incredibly easy to pick up, and players find themselves improving naturally over time as Sprentzo also ensures there's a mentor overlooking each game,” Piyush added. Through their efforts, Sprentzo has witnessed people from diverse walks of life, especially under 35, gravitating toward the sport.

What unites them is their love for the game’s social and interactive nature. “Although the appeal cuts across all ages,”he added, “we’ve seen some amazing moments, like an 84-year-old lady trying her hand at pickleball and lighting up the court with pure joy” he concluded. Sprentzo’s commitment to building a vibrant, inclusive community is at the heart of its mission, making pickleball more ccessible and enjoyable for everyone.