Pickleball, a sport that is still looking for its position in India, became the center of the dispute after the Ministry for Youth Affairs (Myas) granted the status of the National Federation of the newly created Indian Association for Pickleball (IPA). April 25 decisions made by IPA entitled to regulate and promote sport at a nationwide level together with financial support. However, this caused protests from the ALL India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which has been in the forefront of pick -up in India for almost two decades.
Founded in 2007, AIPA has a deeply rooted presence in 24 countries and believes that its long -term sport contributions should earn a sought -after NSF status. The decision to grant this recognition of IPA, created in November 2024 and with only a few months of history, raised questions of justice and transparency.
AIPA claims that IPA Myas has undermined the years of work and determination to develop sport. AIPA insists that it has laid a solid foundation and, thanks to its record, should be the authorized recipient of recognition.
Concerns of the AIPA about justice and a proper process
In an exclusive interview with Indianay.in, the president of AIPA Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo expressed his dissatisfaction with the decision of Myas and described the recognition of IPA as premature and unfair. According to Prabhoo, the AIPA laid a solid foundation for sport in India and was to be recognized as its consistent and long -term effort.
“AIPA was founded in 2008 and over the years we have tirelessly worked on the performance, care and extension of pickball throughout India,” Prabhoo explained. “We are actively involved in 24 countries through our local level programs and since 2015 we have been associated with the International Federation of Pickleball (IPF). Yet we are also a founding member of Asia Federation of Picklell.
Prabhoo also pointed out the critical problem of the timeline and noted that AIPA submitted its own request for the status of the National Federation of the Moon before IPA was even introduced. “On October 18, 2024, AIPA officially applied for recognition from Mys, before IPA was created. Yet Myas decided to recognize IPA, ignore the work we have performed over the years.
Role AIPA in Pickleball Growth
Prabhoo continued to describe many ways that the AIPA was helpful in developing a Pickleball in India. The Association has organized a number of national and international tournaments, developed world -class training programs, and helped countless players to improve their skills for competition on the international scene.
“AIPA was the key to organizing several prestigious tournaments, such as the Bainbridge Cup in December 2022, the World Championship in 2024 and the upcoming world league Pickleball in 2025. In 2013 and 2025 we performed eight national tournaments, six national cups, Federation Cup,”
In addition to the AIPA tournaments, it introduced comprehensive educational programs aimed at developing players’ skills, physical fitness, food and mental condition. “We have also established coaching programs in various countries such as Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Kerala, producing more than 100 certified coaches. These coaches are spreading sport throughout India, while our referees ensure that officials are kept international standards,” Prabhoo explained.
AIPA impact on the global scene
AIPA’s efforts not only influenced the national environment, but also contributed significantly to the global scene of the composition. Since 2015, the Association has been a complete member of the International Federation of Pickleball Federation (IPF) and in 2024 it achieved a number of international milestones, such as hosting the Pickleball World Championship in 2024 and sending Indian teams to global competitions.
“AIPA took place in 2022, 2023 and 2024, which took place in Taiwan, and in Taiwan in 2022 and 2023 in 2022 and 2023 participated in AIPA in 2022 and 2023, in Taiwan, Taiwan, in 2022 and 2023 participated Taiwan, Taiwan, Taiwan, Taiwan, Taiwan, Taiwan, participated in Indian games in 2022 and 2023, in Taiwan, in 2022, 2023 and growing in 2022, 2023 and 2023. They participated in Indian teams.
Journey forward: Challenges and Hope for Growth Pickleball
Despite the failure of the recognition of the AIPA, it remains to develop sport in India in its mission. Prabhoo acknowledged that the absence of the Olympic list is the absence of the Olympic list by an important obstacle to formal recognition, but still hopes that the upcoming association of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) opens the door for greater support and recognition.
“We faced the challenges of financing, but our commitment to sport remains unwavering,” Prabhoo said. “IPA’s recognition complicates matters because it overlooks the development years of local level in favor of a new organization without an introduced result. The key difference between AIPA and IPA is that the AIPA was created in 2008 and built sport from the ground up, while IPA, which was formed in November 2024, has no significant infrastructure or presence.
Looking forward, the AIPA focuses on long -term growth at domestic and international level. “Our management system is well established, with a representation in 24 countries and our international association to IPF and Asia Federation of Pickleball are a testimony to our commitment to bring India to the world scene for Pickleball,” Prabhoo concluded.
Published:
Sabyasachi Chowdhury
Published on:
May 14, 2025
