New games on the block

INDIAHAS OVER 1,000 dedicated pickleball courts,and the number is growing, especially in Mumbai, Ahmedabad, Delhi-NCR and Chennai.

- 

The ease, accessibility, and social appeal has contributed to creating a dedicated player base cutting across age groups,’ said Khanna.

Professionals like Global Sports are organising tournaments like Indian Open League 2025 (happened in February this year), and the Global Sports Pro and Challenger League in Mumbai, to happen in December this year. There is significant prize moneyalsoat stake. Global Sports Pickleball (GSP) recently concluded the Season 2 Pro & Challenger League auction in Mumbai, with each of the ten franchises allocated a player budget of $66 lakh.“We are creating specialised training facilities, installing coaching models and collaboratingwith platforms like Hudleand Khelo More,and working towards establishing multiple levels of pickleball leagues within the next 12 months. Our flagship tournament, the Global Sports Pro and Challenger League, is making a comeback for its second season this December,’ said Hemal Jain, founder, Global Sports Pickleball.