Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta officially inaugurated India’s first national pickleball league on December 1, 2025, at KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium. The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), launched by The Times Group and sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, marks a historic milestone for India’s sporting evolution.
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IPBL 2025 Tournament Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Inauguration Date | December 1, 2025 |
| Tournament Duration | December 1-7, 2025 (7 days) |
| Venue | KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Stadium, New Delhi |
| Teams | 6 franchises (Bengaluru Blasters, Chennai Super Warriors, Capital Warriors Gurgaon, Hyderabad Royals, Lucknow Leopards, Mumbai Smashers) |
| Format | Round-robin + knockouts |
| Players per Team | 6 (Super Star Male/Female, Indian Star Male/Female, Rising Star Male/Female) |
| Total Elite Players | 36 (global professionals + Indian athletes) |
| Official Sanctions | IPA (Ministry of Youth Affairs), Global Pickleball Federation |
| Partner State | Delhi |
| Powered By | Adani Group + 17 other partners |
Chief Minister’s Vision for Pickleball
CM Rekha Gupta emphasized that India has always been a sports-loving nation, and the IPBL represents Prime Minister Narendra Modi‘s commitment to making sports an integral part of Indian culture. She announced plans to introduce pickleball in Delhi schools, creating pathways for youth participation in this emerging sport.
The ceremonial lamp lighting and trophy unveiling by the Chief Minister officially commenced the opening match between Bengaluru Blasters and Lucknow Leopards, with Lucknow securing a commanding 4-1 victory led by India’s top-ranked player Aditya Ruhela.
Global Recognition and Market Potential
Javier Regalado, President of Global Pickleball Federation, stated that India is poised to become one of pickleball’s most vibrant frontiers. The sport currently boasts over 5 million global players with a $1.3 billion worldwide market, while Indian participation is projected to reach 1 million by 2028, with 80% of players aged 18-50.
The Times Group Managing Director Vineet Jain described IPBL as a landmark initiative building a professional, credible, and inclusive platform that positions India as a leader in the world’s fastest-growing sport. The league goes beyond competition to inspire fitness, participation, and cultural expression.
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