Pickleball continues to gain momentum

Bengaluru: As pickleball continues to gain momentum, an increasing number of professional players are expected to emerge, said Karnataka Pickleball Association president Shree Harsha. Pickleball is played on a court measuring 13 meters long and six meters wide, accommodating both singles and doubles matches. While currently enjoyed recreationally, the sport is steadily attracting attention from sports enthusiasts due to its accessibility and ease of learning. Having prior experience in racquet sports can be advantageous for those looking to master pickleball.

Harsha made these remarks during the KPA's inaugural annual summit on Sunday, following Karnataka's impressive performances at the national pickleball tournament in January. “With a wealth of talent available, it is essential for players to collaborate. Given Bengaluru's diverse demographics, uniting semi-professionals from various backgrounds can enhance overall performance,” he noted. Affiliated to the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), Harsha emphasises the importance of formalising the sport. “It remains uncertain whether the International Olympic Committee will recognise the International pickleball Federation (IPF), despite the growing interest in the game. There should be more discussions, and if successful, the formalisation here could have a significant impact,” he explained.

Harsha has also envisioned that pickleball could become a full-time pursuit, largely due to the financial investments being made in the sport. “In terms of cash prizes, pickleball ranks among the highest in the nation, with multi-crore cash pools at stake. As the coaching and support infrastructure develops, more individuals are likely to dedicate themselves to pickleball on a full-time basis,” he said. Additionally, the KPA is considering expanding the game beyond the city limits, he said. “We are currently in discussions with several enthusiasts outside of Bengaluru to establish associations and scout for talent.

This collaboration could lead to the formation of a district team based on their contributions,” he noted. However, one challenge that lies in front of Harsha in his pursuit to sell the game is the scepticism prevalent among educational institutions. “It is true that they don’t back students who’re into pickleball. Organising summits and meets at educational institutions like we’re doing at the St. Joseph’s Institute of Management may change that mindset. We plan to take it up with other institutes soon,” he concluded.