Delhi High Court Presses MYAS For Clarity As AIPA Challenges IPA Recognition

In a significant development for pickleball governance in India, the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has gained a procedural victory in its ongoing legal battle with the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). The dispute centers around the ministry’s recent recognition of the IPA as the official National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball—a move AIPA strongly contests.

The controversy erupted when MYAS granted NSF status to the IPA, an organization that has reportedly been in operation for only six months. AIPA, which has long been advocating for formal recognition, expressed shock at the ministry's decision and swiftly took the matter to court.

Source: allindiapicklballassociation (Instagram)

Court Demands Transparency, Rejects Delay Request

According to an official post shared on AIPA’s Facebook page, the Delhi High Court has directed MYAS to submit complete records related to the IPA’s recognition. The Court reportedly denied a request from the Government of India for additional time to comply, signaling a clear expectation of transparency in the recognition process.

“The Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry to submit the full file related to the recognition granted to the newly formed Indian Pickleball Association (IPA),” AIPA wrote in its post.

“The Court rejected the Government of India’s request for more time, stressing the need for transparency in the recognition process.”

The ruling represents a procedural win for AIPA, reinforcing its argument that due process and fairness must guide decisions involving national sports governance—especially in a rapidly growing sport like pickleball.

A Call For Fairness In Indian Pickleball

In the same announcement, AIPA reaffirmed its commitment to a fair and transparent recognition process, calling on the wider Indian pickleball community to remain engaged and informed.

“AIPA continues to advocate for transparency and fairness in the interest of the entire pickleball community,” the post read.

The timing of this legal progress is noteworthy, as it follows closely on the heels of a milestone meeting held by the IPA to outline its plans for promoting pickleball across India. While the IPA appears intent on expanding its reach, the court’s recent actions serve as a reminder that its legitimacy—at least from a legal and procedural standpoint—is still under scrutiny.

What This Means For Pickleball In India

This case underscores the challenges facing emerging sports in India, where rapid growth and rising interest must be balanced with administrative integrity and proper governance. As pickleball continues to gain traction nationwide, the outcome of this dispute could set important precedents for how the sport is regulated, promoted, and institutionalized.

For now, AIPA remains in the legal arena, backed by a High Court that has shown willingness to question how and why official recognition was granted. The next steps in this unfolding case could have long-term implications—not just for the two associations involved, but for the future structure of pickleball in India.

Stay tuned to IPS for continuing coverage of this high-stakes dispute.