AIPA protests government move backing IPA

Mumbai

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has strongly opposed the Sports Ministry's decision to recognize the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) as the official National Sports Federation (NSF). In a press release, AIPA expressed deep disappointment, stating that the government ignored their 18-year effort to grow Pickleball in India.

AIPA introduced Pickleball to India in 2007-08. They built grassroots programs, trained players, and helped place India on the international Pickleball map. AIPA President Arvind Prabhoo said this decision raised serious questions about fairness and transparency in Indian sports.

The Ministry’s letter, dated April 25, granted NSF status to IPA, an organization formed only in November 2024. AIPA claims this violates the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011. The Code requires any recognized sports body to exist for at least three years and to have strong district-level representation in different states. According to AIPA, IPA has failed to meet both conditions.

AIPA accuses the new organization of using lobbying and misleading details to gain recognition. They warned that bypassing an established body like AIPA sets a dangerous example and damages trust in India’s sports system. They also fear it could harm India’s image in global sports.

AIPA has called for an immediate review of the decision and urged the Ministry to act in the best interest of Indian sports. They reaffirmed their commitment to fair play, transparency, and ethical practices in sports governance, asking the government to support those who have truly built the sport from the ground up.