The Karnataka Pickleball Association (KPA), under the aegis of the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), on Monday announced the Sabala Indian Pickleball Nationals 2025, to be held from November 13 to 16 at The Sports School in Bengaluru. The tournament, drawing top players from across the country, marks the first national event since the sport received official recognition from the National Sports Federation (NSF).
More than 1,200 players from over 20 states have registered to compete across age and skill categories ranging from Under-12 to 70-plus in men’s, women’s and mixed formats.
“The Nationals is a milestone event for the sport, and we are extremely fortunate to be hosting it here in Bengaluru,” said Harsha, President of the Karnataka Pickleball Association.
“The Government of India’s recognition has given pickleball a new identity and direction. At KPA, we are working to build this momentum further through initiatives such as coaching clinics, business meets, and our ‘Mission One Million’ programme, which aims to take pickleball to government and aided schools across Karnataka”, Harsha added.
At a media interaction at Bangalore City University, Bengaluru FC and India footballer Ashique Kuruniyan welcomed the tournament’s launch. “It’s another chapter in the growth of sports in India. Pickleball is fun and accessible to people of all fitness levels, and I’m sure it will continue to grow,” he said.
Srinivas T.R., Co-founder of The Sports School, said the institution would continue to support the sport’s development. “A clear career path in pickleball will evolve over time. We believe in supporting every sport that contributes to a strong sporting culture and encourages participation,” he said.
Gunaranjan Shetty, President of the Karnataka Wrestling Association, also attended the announcement. Sabala, a wellness and active lifestyle brand, is the title partner for the championship.