India to host World Pickleball Championship Series in November (India Today Photo)

India to host World Pickleball Championship series in November

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) will host the World Pickleball Championship Series in Mumbai from November 12th to 17th, 2024. This event marks the first time the championship will be held in India, drawing international talent and attention.

by · India Today

In Short

  • World Pickleball Championship to be held in India for the first time in 2024
  • WPC Series in India will feature approximately 650 players from 6 to 7 countries
  • Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) will host the prestigious World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series for the first time in India. Scheduled to take place in Mumbai from November 12th to 17th, 2024, this major event will bring together top pickleball talent from around the world, following the successful Vietnam and Bali legs of the championship. Indian teams performed admirably in these earlier tournaments, securing Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals.

Powered by the World Pickleball League (WPBL), the WPC Series in India will feature approximately 650 players from 6 to 7 countries, including Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore, among others. The tournament is expected to be a significant moment for Indian sports, drawing international attention and excitement from pickleball enthusiasts globally.

AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo expressed his excitement, stating, “We are extremely proud to bring the World Pickleball Championship Series to India. This is not only a great opportunity for the Pickleball community to witness global talent on an Indian stage, but also a chance for us to promote the growth of the sport at all levels. We're excited to host this international level championship and inspire people across generations and geographies to take up pickleball, both as a competitive career and a leisure activity."

Jan Papi, Founder of Pickleball Global and the WPC Series, echoed this sentiment: "We are thrilled to see the World Pickleball Championship Series being held in India for the first time. India has incredible potential for the sport, and we're eager to collaborate with AIPA to further elevate the profile of Pickleball both in India and internationally."

Pickleball, a rapidly growing sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has gained immense popularity worldwide, and India is no exception. The WPC Series in Mumbai is expected to be a key turning point for the development of the sport in the country, encouraging new players and promoting its rise as a serious competitive discipline.

About the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA)

As the governing body for pickleball in India, AIPA has been at the forefront of efforts to popularize the sport and develop its grassroots foundations across the country. Founded by Sunil Valavalkar in 2007, the organization has been instrumental in training talented players and promoting the sport's growth. AIPA is formally affiliated with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and is a founding member of the Asia Federation of Pickleball. The association, under the leadership of President Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo, is dedicated to expanding pickleball's reach and gaining official recognition from the Government of India and the Sports Authority of India.