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Indian Pickleball Unites: AIPA and PFI Merge in Historic "One Nation" Move

Indian pickleball has reached a historic milestone with the unification of AIPA and PFI. This collaboration creates a single national structure under the "One Nation, One Game, One Association" vision. The movement gained further momentum as Rajasthan officially joined as the 25th state association. This unification promises coordinated growth from grassroots to international levels for the sport.

Key Points: AIPA PFI Unite Under One Nation One Game One Association

  • Two major pickleball bodies merge to create unified national sports structure
  • Rajasthan becomes 25th state association under AIPA's expanded network
  • Collaboration establishes coordinated coaching and tournament pathways nationwide
  • Unification aims to grow pickleball through schools, communities and international platforms
2 min read

AIPA, PFI unite under One Nation, One Game, One Association, a historic moment for Indian pickleball

Historic unification of AIPA and PFI creates single national pickleball body in India, with Rajasthan joining as 25th state association to strengthen the sport's future.

"When we say 'One Nation, One Game, One Association,' we honour every player from the child dreaming on a local court to the champion carrying our flag internationally. - Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo"

New Delhi, November 4

Indian pickleball witnessed a historic and heartfelt moment as All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and the Pickleball Federation of India (PFI) came together with one shared mission to build a united, stronger and future ready national structure for the sport, under the guiding vision of "One Nation, One Game, One Association".

This collaboration is rooted in the belief that pickleball in India must progress as one family, one system and one movement. Adding to the significance of the day, the Rajasthan Pickleball Association, led by Karan Singh Shekhawat, formally joined AIPA as its 25th state body, symbolising unity and collective commitment to the growth of the sport across India, as per a release from AIPA.

Reflecting on this milestone, AIPA President Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo said, "Pickleball has always been about people, passion and community. When we say 'One Nation, One Game, One Association,' we honour every player from the child dreaming on a local court to the champion carrying our flag internationally. Today, the sport in India has become stronger, more united and more hopeful. We aren't just building a structure, we are building a movement together."

Karan Singh Shekhawat, President of the PFI and Rajasthan Pickleball Association, added, "Unity always brings strength. This step is not just organisational, it is emotional and historic for everyone connected with pickleball. I am proud to align with AIPA and look forward to taking this sport to schools, communities, stadiums and the global stage with one voice and one purpose."

With representatives from multiple state associations present, this unification marks the beginning of a coordinated pathway for coaching, tournaments, grassroots expansion and national-level sport governance. Most importantly, it signals a new era where pickleball in India grows not in fragments.

The event was graced by AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo, Karan Singh Shekhawat (President of the Pickleball Federation of India and Rajasthan Pickleball Association, announced as Senior Vice President of AIPA), AIPA Treasurer Nikhil Arun Mathure, Rajasthan Pickleball Association Chairman Raghu Raj, Secretary Ripudaman Singh, AIPA Tournament Committee Chairman and Secretary of the Bihar Pickleball Association Ranjan Gupta, Karnataka State Pickleball Association Secretary Rajath Kankar MR, Madhya Pradesh Pickleball Association Secretary Balwant Salunke, and respected dignitaries Nitu Sharma and Niraj Sharma.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

K
Karan T
About time! Multiple associations were creating confusion for players and coaches. Now with "One Nation, One Game, One Association," we can focus on developing talent properly. Hope this leads to more tournaments in smaller cities too.
R
Rohit P
As someone who plays pickleball in our local Delhi park, this unification gives me hope. Maybe now we'll get proper coaching and recognition. The sport has great potential in India! 🏓
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Sarah B
While I appreciate the unity, I hope this doesn't become another bureaucratic organization that focuses more on politics than player development. The real test will be how they implement grassroots programs.
A
Aditya G
Great initiative! Rajasthan joining as 25th state shows the sport is spreading across India. Hope to see pickleball in schools soon - it's perfect for our climate and requires less space than many other sports.
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Nisha Z
Finally some good news in sports administration! When associations work together instead of competing, everyone benefits. Looking forward to seeing Indian pickleball players on international platforms. Jai Hind! 🙏

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