Imagine a sport that’s a little bit tennis, a little bit badminton, with a dash of ping-pong. It’s fast, it’s thrilling, and it’s changing the way we break a sweat. Welcome to the exhilarating world of Pickleball!
Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, is now making serious waves in India. This game is an exciting mix of Tennis, Table Tennis, and Badminton, played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball on a badminton-sized court. It’s the perfect blend of skill, strategy, and satisfaction, with rules that cater to players of all ages.
The Pickleball court is divided into three key areas: the right box, the left box, and the Kitchen – also known as the non-volley zone. Players must keep their bodies out of the Kitchen while hitting the ball directly, adding a strategic twist to the game.
Whether you prefer singles or doubles, just like traditional racquet sports, Pickleball’s objective is simple: score points by hitting the ball over the net, ensuring it doesn’t bounce twice or land outside the designated zones. The game starts with an underhand serve, and the ball must bounce once on each side before the volleying begins.
In India, where Cricket usually reigns supreme, Pickleball is quickly capturing hearts. Though the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has been around since 2008, it’s only in the past few years that the sport has really taken off. Today, it’s played in 23 states, with over 10,000 players competing in national ranking tournaments.
Pickleball’s appeal isn’t just limited to the public – it’s also drawing attention from sports legends. Novak Djokovic, a 24-time Grand Slam Champion, mentioned during Wimbledon how Tennis faces competition from emerging sports like Padel and Pickleball, partly due to their cost-effectiveness.
And just before the U.S. Open, Djokovic was spotted playing Pickleball with fellow Tennis stars Jannik Sinner and Barbora Krejcikova, alongside professional Pickleball player Callie Smith.
It’s not just Djokovic; even tennis greats like John McEnroe and Andre Agassi have picked up paddles this year, proving that Pickleball is no passing fad.
With global icons like these getting involved, it might only be a matter of time before Indian sports legends join the Pickleball craze, further skyrocketing its popularity in the country. Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or simply looking for a fun new hobby, Pickleball has something for everyone.
What do you think about this rising sport? Could it have a bright future in India? Grab a paddle and join the movement to find out!