Mumbai, October 8: The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) is set to host the prestigious World Pickleball Championship (WPC) series for the first time in India. The highly anticipated event will take place in Mumbai from November 12 to 17, bringing together top pickleball talent from around the globe.
Following the successful stages of the championship in Vietnam and Bali, where Indian teams secured gold, silver, and bronze medals, WPC 2024 will feature some of the world's best pickleball players. The championship, organized by the World Pickleball League (WPBL), is expected to draw around 650 players from six to seven countries, including Australia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Poland, and Singapore.
AIPA President Arvind Prabhu expressed his excitement about hosting the event, stating, "We are extremely proud to bring the World Pickleball Championship series to India. This is not only a fantastic opportunity for the Indian platform to showcase global talent but also a chance for us to promote the development of the sport at all levels. We are excited to host this international championship and players on home soil and hope it will inspire people from various generations and regions to embrace pickleball, both as a competitive career and a recreational activity."
Pickleball Global and WPC series founder Jan Papi shared his enthusiasm, adding, "We are thrilled to witness the World Pickleball Championship series being hosted in India for the first time. The potential for the sport in India is incredible, and we are eager to collaborate with AIPA to elevate the profile of pickleball both in India and globally. With AIPA’s initiative to bring the WPC home, I look forward to experiencing the energy and passion India will bring to this prestigious global championship."
Pickleball, a fast-growing sport combining elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has been rapidly gaining popularity worldwide, with a growing community of enthusiasts in India. The WPC series promises to be a pivotal moment in advancing the sport's development both in India and globally. AIPA aims to popularize the sport across India and ensure grassroots development. The association has already launched an engagement and development program by identifying talented players and providing them with training in skills, nutrition, physical endurance, and mental health under expert supervision.
