National Pickleball Tournament to kick start on May 27th and 28th at Pakyong

 by Priya Jadhav

Mumbai, May 26, 2023: The National Pickleball Tournament is all set to kick start on May 27th and 28th, 2023 in Pakyong. This tournament is expected to attract talented players from different parts of the country. Maharashtra is one of the 16 states in India that is affiliated to the All India Pickleball Association. The game of Pickleball is scheduled for inclusion in the 2024 Olympics.

Speaking on the occasion Mr. Ashok Mohanani, President of IPA (Indian Pickleball Association) said, “It is our endeavor to create more awareness about the game of Pickleball in India. It is a game for the entire family and can be played across all age groups. This tournament will provide a perfect platform for budding players to showcase their skills. We plan to take this tournament across the country including Maharashtra, so as to foster its growth.”

The tournament presents an opportunity for enthusiasts to witness high-level competition and showcase the potential of Pickleball in the country. Pickleball is a popular racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. Pickleball can be played either indoor or outdoor with a racket or paddle in which two players (singles), or four players (doubles), hit a perforated hollow plastic ball over a 36-inch-high (0.91 m) net using solid-faced paddles. Opponents on either side of the net hit the ball back and forth until one side commits a fault.

Pickleball is now the fastest-growing sport in the US with more than 36 million playing the game. Well known Hollywood actors and celebrities like Melinda and Bill Gates, Kim Kardashian, Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Brady, George Clooney among others, have taken up to the sport.