Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Kerala Pickleball Association Champions Grassroots Growth, Aims for National Prominence
Imagine a fun sport called pickleball that's getting really popular in a state in India called Kerala.
Two leaders, Anand and Visakh, are like the captains of Kerala's pickleball team.
They started this sport there not too long ago, around 2022, often using school grounds and badminton courts because they didn't have special pickleball courts.
What's cool is they focused on making it a big club where everyone can play, not just super athletes.
They held fun events to teach people, and even kids and office workers joined!
Now, Kerala is sending a team to a big national game in Bengaluru, which is a huge step because just a year ago, they didn't have a team for this.
They believe that by teaching the sport to everyone and making it feel welcoming, Kerala can become a really important place for pickleball in the whole country.
They hope to see more and more people play and enjoy this fast-paced game.
Kerala's Pickleball Association (KPA), led by Anand Kumar and Visakh V S, is sending a strong contingent to the IPA Nationals 2025 in Bengaluru.
Pickleball began in Kerala around 2022, initially using makeshift courts and growing to over 100 active players in districts like Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.
The KPA emphasizes grassroots development, focusing on community building, school programs, and making the sport accessible beyond elite players.
Challenges include a lack of dedicated pickleball courts and raising public awareness, with funding primarily from members and small sponsors.
Kerala aims to be a significant southern hub for pickleball, fostering inter-state collaboration and developing young talent for national-level competition.
- Who
- Anand Kumar (President, KPA) and Visakh V S (Secretary, KPA), along with Kerala's pickleball players.
- What
- The Kerala Pickleball Association is participating in the IPA Nationals 2025 with a determined contingent, aiming to establish Kerala as a significant pickleball hub through grassroots development and community building.
- When
- The IPA Nationals are scheduled for November; pickleball started gaining traction in Kerala around 2022.
- Where
- Kerala (Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram) and Bengaluru for the IPA Nationals.
- Why
- To build a strong community, make the sport accessible, develop promising young talent, and demonstrate Kerala's serious commitment to pickleball on a national level.
Kerala Pickleball Association (KPA) Approach
General Sport Development
Focus of Growth
Kerala Pickleball Association (KPA) Approach
Prioritizing community building and grassroots development by introducing pickleball in schools, clubs, and public courts to make it accessible beyond elite players and metros.
General Sport Development
Focusing on competitive tournaments and elite player development to establish a strong national presence and potentially secure medals.
Infrastructure Development
Kerala Pickleball Association (KPA) Approach
Utilizing existing facilities like badminton courts and school grounds, while seeking formal government support for dedicated infrastructure.
General Sport Development
The potential need for dedicated, specialized courts to support the sport's advancement and professionalism.
Recognition and Support
Kerala Pickleball Association (KPA) Approach
Seeking formal support from the state government and formalizing the sport within educational systems to ensure long-term sustainability and growth.
General Sport Development
Relying on member contributions, small sponsors, and IPA support for a self-sustaining model, indicating a challenge in attracting larger-scale institutional funding.
- Organization
- Kerala Pickleball Association (KPA)
- Leaders
- Anand Kumar (President), Visakh V S (Secretary)
- Event
- IPA Nationals 2025
- Event Location
- Bengaluru
- KPA Player Base
- Over 100 active players across districts (Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram)
- Start of Pickleball in Kerala
- Around 2022
- Funding Model
- Member contributions, small sponsors, IPA support
Sources
Bengaluru to host Indian Pickleball Nationals from Nov 13
1,500 Players. 20 States. One Dream: Bengaluru Set to Host IPA Nationals - India's Biggest Pickleball Showdown'
'Gujarat is the Beating Heart of Indian Pickleball' - Suryaveer Singh Bhullar Ahead of IPA Nationals
Karnataka Pickleball Association Leads the Charge: KPA’s Vision Powers the IPA Nationals to New Heights
Uttarakhand’s Pickleball Vision: Anmol Joshi Talks Talent, Resilience, and Building a Sporting Legacy
Leader In Haryana, Rajasthan At Heart: Bhavya Bishnoi Is Driving Pickleball’s Growth In The Desert State
Battling Addiction With A Paddle: Punjab Pickleball Association Hopes To Rewrite The State’s Drug Story
From Tennis Courts to Pickleball Dreams: Olympian Vishnu Vardhan Leads Telangana’s Charge at IPA Nationals
