Pickleball gaining popularity in Chennai: A fun and easy racquet sport for all ages
Pickleball: The New Racquet Sport Sensation in Chennai
If you thought you had tried every racquet sport out there, think again. Pickleball is taking Chennai by storm, and it’s easy to see why. With its simple rules, fun gameplay, and inclusive nature, pickleball is quickly becoming a favorite among players of all ages.
Shirisha Badri of Dugout, an adventure sports arena that introduced pickleball in May this year, explains, “After badminton or tennis, there weren’t many racquet sports left to explore. Which is why pickleball has become such a sensation in Chennai. It is relatively easy to pick up.” The popularity of pickleball is evident as players are eager to start as early as 6 a.m., even though the official start time is 10.30 a.m.
Pickleball, played with paddles and lighter balls, can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. Ranjit of Picklers Arena in Chennai notes, “It’s an all-age sport, but I have been regularly seeing people in their 50s and 60s at my court. Some of them discovered pickleball while visiting their children in the U.S. and realised how easy it was to pick up. Now, slowly but surely, people of all ages are joining the game.”
The growth of pickleball in Chennai is not limited to just one venue. K. Mohit Kumar, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu Pickleball Association, shares, “New venues are coming up across the State. There are three pickleball courts in Coimbatore and two in Salem.” The sport’s popularity is spreading, with more and more people discovering the joy of playing pickleball.
Yohan, a teenager and tennis enthusiast, shares his experience with pickleball, saying, “It is especially fun to play with teams and I enjoyed it even when it was only my first match because the sport is not as stringent in rules as other sports. The older people also seem to like it because they can have their daily exercise and keep fit without having to exert themselves.”
Pickleball’s roots as a family game in the U.S. have now blossomed into a community-driven sport in India. With over 500 pickleball enthusiasts associated with the Tamil Nadu Pickleball Association in Chennai alone, the sport is here to stay. Mr. Kumar emphasizes, “This sport is for all,” highlighting the inclusive nature of pickleball and its potential for growth in the future.
So, whether you’re a seasoned player or looking to try something new, pickleball is the perfect sport to pick up in Chennai. Join the pickleball craze and discover the joy of this exciting racquet sport today!