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Key Points

The Indian Pickleball Association has accused AIPA of illegal activities and misrepresentation. AIPA's tournaments and certifications lack legal validity, says IPA. Concerns include foreign players entering India on tourist visas for commercial events. IPA warns sponsors and players against engaging with AIPA's unauthorised operations.

Key Points: IPA Condemns AIPA's Unauthorised Pickleball Activities in India

  • IPA warns AIPA's tournaments breach Sports Code
  • AIPA's equipment certifications called a "money-making racket"
  • Coach training by AIPA deemed unauthorised
  • Foreign players allegedly brought in on tourist visas for commercial events
3 min read

Indian Pickleball Association condemns AIPA's misrepresentation, unauthorised activities, continued disregard for Ministry's decision

IPA slams AIPA for defying Sports Ministry, illegal tournaments, and misleading certifications in India's pickleball governance.

"AIPA's actions demonstrate a profound disregard for authority and are prejudicial to pickleball’s development – Indian Pickleball Association"

New Delhi, August 6

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the sole duly recognised by National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball in India, on Wednesday issued a strong statement condemning the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA). The IPA highlighted AIPA's persistent defiance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports' decision to recognise IPA as the official NSF, its engagement in misrepresentation and unauthorised activities, and its alleged involvement in operations that violate Indian laws, as per a release from IPA.

Under Indian law and the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011 ("Sports Code"), only an officially recognised NSF is legally permitted to use "India" or "Indian" in its name. Consequently, only state associations affiliated with the NSF can legally use their respective state names. The IPA unequivocally stated that AIPA's continued unauthorised use of "India" and its so-called state associations' unauthorised use of state names constitute a clear breach of applicable law.

Furthermore, the IPA emphasised that state ranking tournaments and national events announced by AIPA and its affiliated states are in direct violation of the Sports Code of India and the law. Such actions, the IPA stressed, demonstrate a profound disregard for authority and are prejudicial to the development of pickleball itself, thus constituting willful gross misconduct on AIPA's part.

The IPA also addressed AIPA's claims of setting up equipment testing parameters and certifications, labelling it a "money-making racket." The IPA clarified that these testing certifications/standards lack any validity from Indian or international authorities responsible for governing the sport. Paddles or balls approved by AIPA are neither accepted in any tournaments sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association, the recognised NSF, nor are they accepted in international competitions.

Additionally, the IPA firmly stated that coach and referee training programmes conducted by AIPA, along with the certificates they issue, are not recognised or authorised (within India or internationally) and are merely a way of making money through misrepresentation. Such certifications are not approved by either the Indian Pickleball Association or the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, rendering them invalid and misleading.

In response to AIPA's claims of plans to host "World Pickleball Championship" in India, IPA unequivocally stated that "World Pickleball Championship" being claimed by AIPA is not a recognised world championship but rather a privately run commercial tournament, allegedly organised by an individual residing in Indonesia, Jan Papi. Concerns have been raised regarding foreign players being brought into India for this event, and for the "World Pickleball League" (WPL) sanctioned by AIPA, on tourist visas for commercial purposes, without the necessary permissions from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports or the Indian Pickleball Association. The IPA warned that such actions represent gross violations of the rules of the Ministry of External Affairs as well as the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and could pose serious security threats to the nation.

The Indian Pickleball Association unequivocally informed all players, sponsors, and equipment manufacturers that AIPA possesses no legal standing as a governing body for pickleball in India, and all their claims and activities were demonstrably unauthorised, misleading, and potentially illegal.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who recently got into pickleball, this is very concerning. I almost attended one of AIPA's coaching programs last month. Thank God I didn't waste my money on fake certifications! IPA should conduct awareness campaigns.
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Aman W
The part about foreign players coming on tourist visas is serious. This could be a security risk! Our sports ministry needs to investigate this immediately. Why are we always so casual about such important matters?
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Sarah B
While IPA is right to call out violations, I hope they're also focusing on growing the sport at grassroots level. We need more tournaments and training facilities across India to make pickleball popular like badminton.
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Vikram M
Typical Indian sports politics! Instead of fighting, both associations should work together for the sport's development. But yes, rules are rules - AIPA should respect the ministry's decision.
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Kavya N
The equipment certification scam is the worst part! Many parents buy expensive paddles for their kids based on these fake certifications. This needs to stop immediately. 😡
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Michael C
As an expat living in India, I've seen how passionate Indians are about sports. It's sad to see such conflicts in a growing sport. Hope this gets resolved soon for the players' sake.

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