Скачать или смотреть Why Pickleball is Beating Cricket as the Fastest Growing Sport!

Imagine a sport in India growing faster than cricket and tennis in popularity. Sounds unbelievable, right?

Pickleball, a game that started in 1965, is now taking over high-rise societies, elite clubs, and even celebrity circles in India. What was once considered a casual backyard sport is now becoming a status symbol.

But here’s the real question—how did a game that looks like a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping pong suddenly become a sensation? And why is it the rich who are embracing it the most?

Pickleball’s rise can be traced back to a surprising moment—2020, the pandemic era. People were stuck at home, looking for easy sports that didn’t require massive training or large spaces. Unlike tennis or badminton, which demand skill and stamina, pickleball was simple to learn, required minimal movement, and yet was incredibly fun. It quickly became the fastest-growing sport in the US, with over 4.8 million players today.

But why India? And why the elite?

Easy to Play, Hard to Ignore – Unlike tennis, which takes years to master, you can start playing pickleball in just one day. No complex rules, no heavy gear—just a paddle, a wiffle ball, and a small court.
Less Physical Strain – It’s easier on the body, which makes it appealing for all age groups, from young professionals to 50+ executives. Many are even replacing their gym cardio with a fun pickleball session.
Short & Engaging Matches – A single match lasts 15-20 minutes, making it the perfect sport in today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
Low Investment, High Returns – Unlike tennis, which requires large courts and high maintenance, a single tennis court can be converted into four pickleball courts. Even badminton courts can be used for pickleball, making it more accessible.

The real game changer?

Big names in sports are investing in it. In the US, legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Tom Brady are backing professional pickleball leagues, with tournament prize pools reaching 12 crore INR.

India is catching up fast.

From just 2-3 courts in 2018, the country now has over 200 dedicated pickleball courts. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Pune are hosting leagues, while luxury gyms and clubs are adding pickleball to their offerings. Some elite memberships cost up to 2 lakh INR—turning a once-accessible game into a premium experience.

This is not just a sport anymore; it's a movement.

With over 8000 registered players in India and a growing push from tennis and badminton players like PV Sindhu and Prakash Padukone, pickleball is on track to become a mainstream sensation.

The big question—will it stay an elite sport, or will it trickle down to the masses? And if it does, could it change India’s sports culture forever?

One thing is clear: Pickleball is not just a trend.
.
.
#pickleball #sports #pickleballindia #paddleball