Pickleball: Why this Popular Sport would Beat Kabaddi by 2031? With Facts

The Popular Sport Pickleball is peaking at the right time, where several factors would come in existence to play vital role in promoting this sport.

Here in this article we will reveal all statistics around these game to be shared in the below format:

1. In 2024, active players who were playing were close to 20,000 the same thing outgrew in Mid 2025, where 60,000 active players started pursuing this sport spanned across 17+ states.

 

2. When it comes to Courts Installation, 200 Pickleball courts were build, 1200 courts have been Built, where majority of courts have been build in Mumbai which 120 rest tier 1 cities and courts have been installed- in other cities.

 

3. 7600 crore more to be invested by 2031 in Pickleball as Sport  with a cumulative annual growth rate being 26%.

 

4. In next 3 years, more investments are able to draw in this popular ecosystem, let’s see how they would emerge also low investments are expected to bring greater Return on Investment.

5. Ministry of Sports have also affiliated Pickleball as sport also known as “Indian Pickleball Association” have been formed “Indian Pickleball League” have been created to organize which run successfully, where audience came in huge numbers to make it more sustainable entity.

6. Indian Pickleball is one of the most popular sport when it comes to establishing ecosystem where Top notch players can make up the ranks from the bottom tier to Top Most tier.

 

More Details about Pickleball as Sport in India 

Pickleball in India: A Sport Peaking at the Right Time

Pickleball is emerging as one of the fastest-growing sports in India, reaching its inflection point at a time when multiple structural, economic, and cultural factors are aligning in its favour. What was once considered a niche recreational activity has rapidly transformed into a serious sporting ecosystem with nationwide participation, infrastructure development, institutional backing, and strong investment interest.

This article explores the key statistics, trends, and factors that explain why Pickleball is not just growing.

1. Rapid Growth in Active Player Base

The most significant indicator of Pickleball’s rise in India is the sharp increase in active participation.

In 2024, the total number of active Pickleball players in India stood at approximately 20,000. These were largely concentrated in metropolitan cities and driven by early adopters, fitness enthusiasts, former racket-sport players, and community-led initiatives.

However, by mid-2025, this number witnessed an extraordinary jump to nearly 60,000 active players, marking a 3x growth . What makes this growth particularly impressive is its geographical spread. Pickleball is no longer limited to a few urban pockets; it has expanded across 17+ states, including Tier 1, Tier 2, and emerging urban centres.

This surge reflects Pickleball’s accessibility—easy-to-learn rules, minimal equipment, mixed-age participation, and a low entry barrier—making it attractive to both competitive athletes and recreational players alike.

2. Explosion in Pickleball Court Infrastructure

Infrastructure growth has played a crucial role in accelerating Pickleball adoption.

In 2024, India had around 200 Pickleball courts nationwide. By mid-2025, that number rose dramatically to nearly 1,200 courts, indicating a sixfold increase in just over a year.

A significant share of this development has taken place in Mumbai, which alone accounts for approximately 120 dedicated Pickleball courts. This reflects the city’s strong sporting culture, higher disposable income, availability of community spaces, and demand for compact, urban-friendly sports.

Beyond Mumbai, Pickleball courts have been installed across other Tier 1 cities such as Delhi NCR, Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Ahmedabad, along with a growing presence in Tier 2 cities. Schools, private academies, residential societies, clubs, and commercial sports facilities are increasingly adding Pickleball courts due to low setup costs and high utilization rates.

3. ₹7,600 Crore Investment Potential by 2031

Pickleball’s growth is not limited to participation and infrastructure—it is also emerging as a high-potential investment opportunity.

Industry estimates suggest that ₹7,600 crore is expected to be invested into the Pickleball ecosystem in India by 2031.

Such sustained capital inflow reflects strong confidence in Pickleball’s scalability and long-term viability as a sport-business ecosystem.

4. High ROI with Low Entry Barriers

One of Pickleball’s biggest advantages is its low investment requirement coupled with strong return potential.

Compared to traditional sports, Pickleball courts require:

Smaller playing areas

Minimal equipment expenses

As a result, investors, academies, and facility owners can set up Pickleball infrastructure at a fraction of the cost of tennis, badminton, or football facilities—while achieving higher occupancy rates and faster breakeven timelines.

Over the next three years, the sport is expected to attract even more private and institutional investments as entrepreneurs recognize its ability to generate consistent revenue through memberships, coaching programs, tournaments, and community events.

5. Institutional Recognition and League Structure

Pickleball’s credibility in India has been significantly strengthened by official recognition and organized competition structures.

The Ministry of Sports has formally affiliated Pickleball as a recognized sport, providing legitimacy and institutional support. The formation of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has further helped standardize rules, governance, and nationwide development.

In addition, the launch of the Indian Pickleball League (IPL – Pickleball) has added a professional dimension to the sport. The league has been successfully organized, drawing strong participation from players and impressive audience turnout. This has helped build visibility, fan engagement, and commercial interest, making Pickleball a more sustainable sporting property.

6. A Strong, Inclusive Sporting Ecosystem

One of the defining strengths of Pickleball in India is its well-structured and inclusive ecosystem.

Unlike many sports where progression pathways are unclear, Pickleball allows players to rise from grassroots to elite levels through structured tournaments, rankings, and league exposure. Talented players from smaller cities can compete alongside top professionals, creating a merit-based system that rewards performance and consistency.

This ecosystem supports:

Such inclusivity not only strengthens the talent pipeline but also ensures long-term sustainability and mass app.

Final Perspective:  A Sport Built for the Future

Pickleball in India is peaking at the right moment—supported by rising participation, rapid infrastructure growth, strong investment interest, government recognition, and a clear competitive pathway.

With 60,000 active players, 1,200 courts, ₹7,600 crore in projected investments, and a fast-expanding league and federation structure, Pickleball is no longer an emerging sport—it is an arriving one.

As India continues to embrace new-age sports that blend fitness, accessibility, and entertainment, Pickleball stands poised to become a defining success story in the country’s sporting landscape.

 

Pickleball in India – Key Statistics & Growth Overview