New Delhi, India witnessed a defining milestone in its sporting journey as the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, formally inaugurated the inaugural season of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) on December 1 at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.
Launched by The Times Group, IPBL is India’s first and only national pickleball league, sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, and endorsed by the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). With Delhi serving as the Partner State, the Chief Minister’s presence underscored the Capital’s strong commitment to promoting emerging sports and fostering a modern, inclusive sporting culture.
With the ceremonial lamp lit by the Hon’ble Chief Minister and unveiling of the coveted cup, the Indian Pickleball League officially commenced its opening with the first match of the season between Bengaluru Blasters and Lucknow Leopards.
Speaking at the inauguration, the Hon’ble Chief Minister said, The Indian Pickleball League is a new event and a new game for our country. I am very happy that India has always been a nation of diverse sports; understanding, watching, and playing sports has always been a part of every Indian’s life. Since the arrival of India’s Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he has made sports an important part of India’s culture. Because of this, every state in our country now aspires to be involved in all kinds of sports, both national and international. Today, the Times has not only organized the Indian Pickleball League but has also built a complete association and foundation. This new game is now being embraced by Indian players, and I would like to congratulate all of you for this achievement.
The inaugural edition brings together 36 elite players, including global professionals, leading Indian athletes, and rising homegrown talent, representing six city-based teams, Mumbai Smashers, Bengaluru Blasters, Capital Warriors Gurgaon, Hyderabad Royals, Chennai Super Warriors, and Lucknow Leopards.
Speaking about the vision behind the league, Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group, said, We step onto this stage with confidence and wisdom, marking not just an inauguration but the beginning of a sporting movement in India—one that empowers every young player to grow, shine, and dream without limits. We are committed to making football the country’s second most popular sport after cricket, and to build that momentum, we will offer 500 seats to school students every day. Today, we launch a new era, one that future generations will remember for its players, arena, and pioneering team owners who believed in this league. To all the players, coaches, and general managers, thank you—your passion drives us forward. As the Indian Football League begins today, let’s lead with confidence, raise the bar, and rise together.
The roster features celebrated international names such as Quang Duong, Megan Fudge, Mitchell Hargreaves, Roos van Reek, and Ben Newell, alongside India’s finest athletes including Aditya Ruhela, Mihika Yadav, Aaliya Ebrahim, and Ammol Ramchandani. The league will unfold through a round-robin stage followed by high-intensity knockout fixtures, culminating in the Grand Finale on December 7.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior IPA representatives, franchise owners, international athletes, and eminent personalities from the worlds of sport, business, and entertainment. The event marked the official launch of India’s newest national sporting property and set the tone for a week of fast-paced, contemporary action.
Speaking on the official recognition, Javier Regalado, President, Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), said,“The launch of the Indian Pickleball League marks a significant moment in the global journey of our sport. India is poised to become one of Pickleball’s most vibrant frontiers, and this league will play a crucial role in bringing new fans, players, and stakeholders into the fold. We are proud to endorse this initiative and wish it immense success in elevating Pickleball to the next level.”
Strengthening its debut edition, the Adani Group has joined as the Powered By Partner, complemented by support from Delhi Tourism, District, and 17 other partners, underscoring the growing institutional interest in India’s fastest-rising racquet sport.
The launch of IPBL marks not just the beginning of a league, but the start of a national sporting movement, positioning pickleball as India’s next major participation and spectator sport.
Where to Watch:
Catch all the live action of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL 2025) from December 1 to 7, 2025 on ZOOM TV and Mirror NOW from 2:30 PM daily. A two-hour highlights package will air on DD Sports every night from 10 PM to 12 AM, along with streaming on its OTT channel. In addition to TV broadcasts, Pickleball Now — the world’s first dedicated pickleball TV channel available on CTV and digital platforms, will also showcase the league. Viewers in the Indian subcontinent can watch the live streaming of IPBL 2025 on the YouTube channels of Pickleball Now, Sports Now and ZOOM. The matches will also stream live on Times Play, Times Network’s flagship OTT platform.
About Indian Pickleball League
The Indian Pickleball League (IPBL), launched by The Times Group, is India’s official and only national league for Pickleball, sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), which is recognized by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Government of India.
Set to debut from December 1–7, 2025, at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, the inaugural edition will establish Delhi as the epicentre of India’s next major sporting revolution. The event will bring together top Indian and international players, franchise-owned city teams, and millions of fans through live and digital platforms.
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