Two exciting sports have seen a notable upsurge in popularity in India recently: pickleball and padel. These mixed-sports activities, which combine aspects of squash, badminton, and tennis, have drawn the attention of athletes nationwide, resulting in an astounding 159% increase in participation over the previous three years.
Pickleball: A Novel Pleasure
In India, pickleball—a game that blends table tennis, badminton, and tennis—has become incredibly popular. Players of various ages and ability levels can participate in this game, which is played with a paddle and a perforated plastic ball. For individuals searching for an enjoyable and interesting way to stay active, the sport’s simplicity and smaller court size make it a desirable choice.
Pickleball’s popularity in India is due to a number of things. First of all, a broad range of people can participate in the sport due to its simple learning curve and low equipment requirements. In addition, the construction of pickleball courts specifically for the sport and the planning of regional, national, and worldwide competitions have given players a stage on which to demonstrate their abilities and compete at higher levels.
Padel: The Quick-Switched Feeling
The sport of padel, which has its roots in Mexico and has become quite famous in Europe and Latin America, is currently gaining traction in India. Padel is a sport that combines aspects of squash and tennis. Players compete on an enclosed court with walls that they can utilize to their advantage. Indian sports fans love this sport because of its fast-paced action and strategic gameplay.
Modern Padel courts being built in India’s largest cities and the growth of Padel clubs and academies have been the main drivers of the sport’s popularity. These facilities facilitate the learning process for novices and the improvement of skills for seasoned players by providing coaching and training programs.
Infrastructure and Community
The growing community and infrastructure that support pickleball and padel contribute to the sports’ rising appeal in India, not just the numbers. This expansion has been made possible by sports-tech platforms and organizations, which have made booking easy, player interaction, and community building possible. Major sporting events have also partnered with these platforms, increasing participation and registrations.
