Hyderabadis are warming up to Pickleball, a relatively new sport but thanks to patronage, about 120 courts have mushroomed in the city in the last five months, writes EKALAVYA MALLEPALLI

The popularity is unprecedented. Minimal physical strain and its low-impact is one of the reasons for the sport’s appeal among the youth as well as middle-aged. Amruth Kumar Owner of PicklePlex at Madhapur

metro india news  I hyderabad

From Sainikpuri to Sivarampalli, Madhapur to Marredpally people are flocking to Pickleball courts with a paddle (Looks like a table tennis racket but is called a paddle) in hand and new found enthusiasm for a sport that is simple yet invigorating. It is definitely not tennis, neither is it table tennis nor badminton but has caught the imagination of the masses and how! Just in a span of five months close to 120 courts have come up in the city.

Originating in the United States, the sport has rapidly gained momentum in India, particularly in urban hubs like Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Bangalore. The growing demand is evident, with daily footfalls exceeding 100 and court charges ranging from Rs 600 to Rs 1,500 per hour, depending on the amenities provided.

Surabhi, the owner of Smash Pro Arena in Sardar Patel Road in Secunderabad, explained that the sport involves less stress compared to other physical activities, making it accessible to a wider audience.

"We welcome players of all age groups at our arena, and it's heart-warming to see everyone thoroughly enjoying the game," she said. Surabhi also noted the rapidly increasing footfall and expressed her joy in interacting with participants of all ages. Beyond providing entertainment, the sport offers additional benefits such as weight reduction, stress management, and improved overall health. Speaking to Metro India, Amruth Kumar, the owner of PicklePlex, discussed the surging popularity of pickleball, calling it an unprecedented trend in recent times. 

He highlighted the sport's appeal, particularly its low-impact nature and minimal physical strain, making it a favourite among middle-aged enthusiasts. Kumar emphasized the sport's accessibility, noting, "Our hourly rate of Rs 700 is quite reasonable, ensuring mutual benefits for all involved." Weekends, especially Sundays, see a significant increase in participation, with footfalls exceeding 200 on peak days. With its straightforward rules and universal appeal, pickleball is rapidly gaining traction as a go-to pastime. Additionally, Kumar revealed plans to organize events and tournaments in the near future.

Ajay, sports manager at one of the arenas, notes that many players are returning regularly due to the health benefits, including calorie loss and improved fitness. The social aspect of the game also contributes to its popularity, as players often engage in friendly matches with colleagues and family members.

With dedicated facilities like PicklePlex, increasing participation, and major tournaments being hosted, Pickleball is poised for further growth in Hyderabad. The sport’s appeal to all age groups, combined with its health benefits and community-driven approach, ensures that its popularity will continue to rise in the coming years. According to estimates by All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), the governing body of the sport in India-there are a million players in the country and close to five million players in 84 countries.