India to Host World Pickleball Championship Series for the First Time
The World Pickleball Championship Series Comes to India: A Game-Changer for Indian Sports
In a groundbreaking development for Indian sports, the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) is set to host the prestigious World Pickleball Championship (WPC) Series in India for the first time. Taking place in Mumbai from November 12th to 17th, the WPC 2024 will showcase the best pickleball talent from around the world, following successful legs in Vietnam and Bali where Indian teams clinched Gold, Silver, and Bronze medals. With approximately 650 players from 6-7 countries expected to participate, including Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore, the WPC promises to be a significant sporting event that will draw attention from pickleball enthusiasts worldwide.
Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, expressed his pride in bringing the WPC Series to India, highlighting the opportunity for the pickleball community to witness global talent on Indian soil and promote the growth of the sport at all levels. He emphasized the excitement of hosting international teams and the potential to inspire people of all ages and backgrounds to take up pickleball as both a competitive career and a leisure activity. AIPA, along with its stakeholders, is committed to ensuring the success of the WPC Series in India.
Jan Papi, Founder of Pickleball Global and WPC Series, shared his enthusiasm for the championship being held in India for the first time, recognizing the country’s immense potential for the sport and the opportunity to elevate pickleball’s profile both domestically and internationally. With AIPA’s initiative to host the WPC, Papi looks forward to experiencing the energy and passion that India brings to this global championship.
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been experiencing rapid growth worldwide, with India seeing a surge in enthusiasts embracing the game. The WPC Series is poised to be a turning point for the development of pickleball in India and beyond, paving the way for greater recognition and participation in the sport.
About AIPA, the governing body of Pickleball in India, the organization’s mission is to popularize the sport and ensure its grassroots development across the country. Through talent identification, specialized training, and efforts to gain recognition from government and sports authorities, AIPA is dedicated to advancing pickleball in India. With formal affiliation with the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and membership in the Asia Federation of Pickleball, AIPA is at the forefront of promoting and growing the sport in the region.
The World Pickleball Championship Series coming to India marks a significant milestone for Indian sports, showcasing the country’s potential as a hub for international sporting events and underscoring the growing popularity of pickleball. As players from around the world converge in Mumbai for the WPC 2024, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive showcase of talent that will leave a lasting impact on the sport in India and beyond.