With over 1,200 entries from 20+ states, the championship marks pickleball’s official rise as a nationally recognized sport — and Bengaluru as its new capital of play.
NFAPost, Bengaluru: India’s rapidly growing sporting landscape is set to witness a historic moment this month as Bengaluru hosts the first-ever Indian Pickleball Nationals 2025, powered by Sabala, from November 13 to 16 at The Sports School. The championship, organized by the Karnataka Pickleball Association (KPA) under the aegis of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), marks a turning point for the sport following its official National Sports Federation (NSF)recognition by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India.
With over 1,200 entries from more than 20 states, the event will feature players aged from Under-12 to 70+, competing across Men’s, Women’s, and Mixed categories, and across different skill divisions. The tournament is being hailed as a major step in bringing structured competition and visibility to pickleball, one of the fastest-growing racket sports in the world.
A Landmark for Indian Pickleball
Speaking about the significance of the event, Shree Harsha, President of the Karnataka Pickleball Association, said that hosting the first official Nationals in Bengaluru is both a privilege and a responsibility.
“The Nationals is a milestone event for the sport, and we are extremely fortunate to be hosting it here in Bengaluru,” said Harsha.
“Pickleball has grown tremendously across the globe, and the Government of India’s recognition of its scale and popularity has given it a new identity and direction. At KPA, we are working to build this momentum further through initiatives such as coaching clinics, business meets, and our ‘Mission One Million’ programme, which aims to take pickleball to government and aided schools across Karnataka.”
He added that the 2025 Nationals, to be held on 16 courts at The Sports School, will serve as a model for future national and international events.
Athletes and Advocates Rally Behind the Sport
Extending his support to the sport, Ashique Kuruniyan, professional footballer with Bengaluru FC and the Indian National Team, praised pickleball’s accessibility and appeal.
“I’m excited that the tournament is coming to Bengaluru. It’s another chapter in the growth of sports in India,” said Kuruniyan.
“Pickleball is a fun sport and is accessible to people with different levels of physical conditioning, so I’m sure it will continue to grow.”
Srinivas TR, Co-founder of The Sports School, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of providing pathways for athletes across all disciplines.
“A clear career path in pickleball will happen in due course,” he said. “As an institution, we believe in supporting every sport that helps create a strong sporting culture and allows individuals to focus on their careers. Pickleball has that potential, and we are proud to be part of its journey.”
Also in attendance at the media briefing was Mr. Gunaranjan Shetty, President of the Karnataka Wrestling Association, underscoring the growing cross-disciplinary support for pickleball as a legitimate and promising sport in India’s expanding athletic ecosystem.
Corporate Support for a Healthy India
The championship is powered by Sabala, a wellness and lifestyle brand committed to promoting active living and holistic well-being. The partnership reflects shared values of inclusivity, health, and empowerment through sport.
“Sabala’s association with the Nationals is rooted in our belief that sport is a catalyst for both personal and community transformation,” a spokesperson for the brand said. “Pickleball embodies fun, fitness, and inclusivity — all values we stand for.”
About the Organizers
Karnataka Pickleball Association (KPA):
The KPA is the official state governing body under the Indian Pickleball Association, dedicated to promoting and structuring the sport across Karnataka. Built on the pillars of Compete, Learn, and Community, KPA enables players of all ages and skill levels to play, learn, and thrive through tournaments, training programs, and outreach initiatives.
Sabala:
A wellness and lifestyle brand, Sabala promotes active living through products and initiatives that celebrate movement, mindfulness, and balance. Its collaboration with the Indian Pickleball Nationals 2025 underscores a shared mission to foster inclusivity, health, and empowerment through sport.
A New Era of Indian Sports Begins
As India’s first official Pickleball Nationals gets underway, Bengaluru once again takes center stage as the nation’s sporting innovation hub. With the government’s recognition, strong institutional support, and growing grassroots enthusiasm, pickleball is set to emerge as the next big movement in Indian sport — one that brings together passion, play, and purpose.
“This is more than just a championship,” said Harsha. “It’s the beginning of a sporting revolution that will inspire millions to pick up a paddle and play.”
