AIPA Challenges India’s Sports Ministry Over ‘Questionable’ Recognition Of New Pickleball Federation

May 7

A Questionable Decision

According to AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo, the ministry’s decision to recognize the IPA disregards established guidelines. "The Indian sports ministry has recognized the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), which is a six-month-old association. It was formed in November 2024. We had already applied for recognition in October 2024, a month before the IPA even existed," Prabhoo said.

The ministry’s guidelines typically mandate that a federation must have been operational for at least three years and maintain a presence in at least 50% of the country’s states to qualify for NSF status. However, the IPA’s recognition appears to have bypassed these requirements, raising serious questions about procedural transparency.

Was MYAS Misled?

Prabhoo suggests that the ministry may have been misinformed by the IPA, leading to the sudden and unexpected recognition. "How can the Ministry relax statutory requirements when there’s an existing federation that has already applied and meets the criteria?" he questioned. "According to me, the Ministry has been misled about certain facts by the other federation."

With the IPA now holding the NSF designation, it has exclusive rights to receive financial grants from the government and regulate the sport’s development nationwide — privileges that AIPA believes it has rightfully earned over the years through extensive grassroots efforts.

A History Of Accomplishments

Since its inception, AIPA has been at the forefront of promoting pickleball in India. The organization has hosted eight national tournaments since 2013 and organized two international events, including the 2024 World Pickleball Championships. AIPA athletes have secured over 100 international medals, including gold at the Asian Pickleball Games held in Taiwan.

"AIPA is in 24 states, with around 10,000 players directly associated with us," Prabhoo emphasized. "We hold four national ranking tournaments annually and have consistently represented India in international competitions."

The Missed Opportunity

Prabhoo further revealed that AIPA had been in regular communication with MYAS officials, believing that recognition was imminent. "Our founder, Sunil Walavalkar, met Raksha Khadse, the Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, just a month and a half ago," he said. "We were told we were inline to receive the recognition, with no further compliance required."

Despite these reassurances, the ministry’s decision came as a shock to AIPA. "We were even informed that the minister would personally reach out to us, but that call never came," Prabhoo lamented. "Instead, we saw a formal order that granted recognition to the IPA without giving us a fair chance to present our case."

What Lies Ahead?

Frustrated by what it perceives as an unfair and opaque decision, AIPA has decided to take the matter to the Delhi High Court, with the option to escalate to the Supreme Court if necessary. Prabhoo expressed hope that MYAS would reconsider its stance and initiate a dialogue with AIPA, but he is prepared for a protracted legal battle if that fails.

"We remain open to discussions," he said. "But we cannot allow the efforts of thousands of players across the country to be undermined by a hasty decision. We are committed to defending our rights and the future of pickleball in India."

As the conflict escalates, the Indian pickleball community watches closely, awaiting a resolution that could significantly shape the sport’s governance and development nationwide.

Rahul Khadke