India’s burgeoning reputation as a potential racquet sports hub is poised to receive a significant boost with the launch of the World Pickleball League (WPBL), the first-ever professional pickleball league. This groundbreaking initiative is the brainchild of Natekar Sports and Gaming (NSG), led by former Davis Cup tennis star and Arjuna Awardee Gaurav Natekar, in collaboration with Sony Entertainment Talent Ventures India (SETVI).
Pickleball, a captivating racquet sport that seamlessly blends elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, has garnered immense popularity worldwide. Recognizing its immense potential, Natekar, leveraging his three decades of experience in the sports industry, expressed his pride in unveiling the inaugural global professional pickleball league in India. He emphasized the sport’s accessibility, stating, “Its easy-to-learn-and-play nature, coupled with its age and gender inclusivity, makes it the ideal sport for people to come out and play, thereby democratizing sports participation like never before.”
The inaugural edition of the league will feature six franchises vying for the coveted title. Each team will comprise five to eight players, including international stars. Notably, the league mandates teams to include Indian and junior players, providing them with an invaluable opportunity to interact and learn from the world’s best.
Arvind Prabhoo, President of the All India Pickleball Federation and International Pickleball Federation, hailed the professional pickleball league as a transformative initiative for the sport in India. He expressed confidence that this league would propel the growth of pickleball, bringing it closer to the target of engaging one million players nationwide within the next five years.
Currently played in over 80 countries, pickleball has gained significant traction in the Asia Pacific region, with India emerging as a promising hub. Over the past few years, the sport has witnessed a steady rise in popularity, with over 30,000 amateur players and 8000 registered players across 18 states actively participating. Its compact space requirements and accessibility for individuals of all ages, from seven to 70, have contributed to its widespread appeal as both a recreational and competitive sport.
