Key Points

The Indian Pickleball Association has issued a stern warning against an unauthorised tournament being organized in Jammu. They clarify that only officially recognized bodies can use "national" terminology for events. The association threatens legal action if the event isn't cancelled immediately. They reassure players that the only official national championship will be held in Bangalore next year.

Key Points: IPA Condemns AIPA Unauthorised Jammu Pickleball Tournament

  • IPA warns AIPA against unauthorised tournament in Jammu from September 26-28
  • Only IPA can organise official national championships per NSGA 2025
  • Threatens legal action including civil and criminal remedies
  • Official national championship scheduled for Bangalore in November 2025
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IPA condemns unauthorised tournament in Jammu; warns against misrepresentation

Indian Pickleball Association warns against AIPA's unauthorised "national event" in Jammu, threatens legal action for misrepresentation and violation of NSGA 2025 rules.

"Such activities risk creating confusion among players, sponsors, and government bodies - Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, Indian Pickleball Association"

Ahmedabad, September 8

The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the sole National Sports Federation for Pickleball under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has issued a public warning against the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and the Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Pickleball Association (JKAPA).

Ahmedabad (Gujarat) [India], September 8 (ANI): The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), the sole National Sports Federation for Pickleball under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports (MYAS) and the Sports Authority of India (SAI), has issued a public warning against the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) and the Jammu & Kashmir Amateur Pickleball Association (JKAPA).

The notice addresses AIPA's plan to hold an unauthorised tournament in Jammu from September 26-28, which is being incorrectly referred to as a "National Event," as per a release from IPA.

The IPA clarifies that, as per the National Sports Governance Act (NSGA) 2025, only officially recognised bodies are permitted to use the terms "national" or "India" in their names or events. IPA, as the governing body for pickleball in India, has exclusive authority to organise official national championships.

"Such activities risk creating confusion among players, sponsors, and government bodies, including the J&K Government and the State Olympic Association," said Suryaveer Singh Bhullar, President, Indian Pickleball Association.

"We want to reassure the sports community that the only official National Championship for pickleball will be conducted by the IPA in Bangalore in November 2025, with due notification to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) and the relevant state authorities."

The IPA has demanded that AIPA immediately cancel the event and notify all players and interested parties. Failure to comply will result in the IPA pursuing legal action against both AIPA and JKAPA, seeking both civil and criminal remedies, including claims for financial damages.

IPA is the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball in India, officially recognised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports. The IPA is dedicated to promoting, governing, and developing the sport of pickleball across the country, with a mission to create a robust sporting ecosystem that nurtures talent and provides opportunities for athletes to succeed at all levels.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone from Jammu, I appreciate IPA taking a stand. We need proper governance in sports, especially in sensitive regions. Unauthorized events can create unnecessary complications with local authorities.
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Aman W
While I support regulation, I hope this doesn't become a monopoly. Sometimes new associations emerge because existing ones aren't promoting the sport adequately in all regions. Maybe IPA should focus on better outreach?
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Sarah B
Interesting to see pickleball gaining popularity in India! Clear governance is crucial for any sport's development. Hope this gets resolved amicably for the players' sake.
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Vikram M
The NSGA 2025 provisions are clear - only recognized bodies can use "National" or "India". AIPA should have followed due process instead of creating parallel systems. Legal action is justified.
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Nikhil C
This is why we need transparency in sports administration. Both sides should make their case public - what prompted AIPA to organize separately? There might be more to this story.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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