**Title: The Rise of Pickleball in India: A Growing Market Opportunity**
As pickleball gains traction in India, investors and startups are eager to tap into the sport’s growth potential, positioning it as a significant player in the country’s fitness and leisure sector.
In Bengaluru, Ronak, a 30-year-old businessman from Ahmedabad, found a way to connect with his neighbors after moving into a new apartment complex last year through pickleball. “We reserve the court for an hour every day and have a great time,” he shared. What began as a casual game quickly transformed into a daily ritual. Ronak is among the many Indians embracing this rapidly growing sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis on a compact court.
Pickleball has swiftly transitioned from a niche recreational activity to a lucrative business opportunity, attracting attention from startups, investors, and major brands. Companies like Goodland Pickleball, GoRally, and KheloMore are aggressively expanding, even targeting tier 2 and tier 3 markets. This surge in interest—originating 60 years ago—indicates a shift in India’s recreational sports culture and presents significant opportunities for investment and infrastructure development nationwide.
According to market research firm Bonafide Research, India’s pickleball market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 26% from 2024 to 2029. As one of the fastest-growing sports globally, pickleball has attracted over five million players across 84 countries, with 40% being female participants. In India, the sport has experienced a remarkable 275% increase in active players over the past three years, with participation projected to exceed 1 million by 2028. By late 2024, India is estimated to have around 1,000 pickleball courts and 10,000 players competing at a professional level.
Investor interest is also on the rise. Recently, Bengaluru-based GoRally secured $750,000 in pre-seed funding from notable investors, including Udaan founder Sujeet Kumar and Tracxn’s Abhishek Goyal. Additionally, Goodland Pickleball, a US-based company, raised ₹80 lakh for a 6% equity stake plus a 0.5% royalty from boAt founder Aman Gupta on Shark Tank India Season 4. Larger corporations are also taking notice; in November, food and grocery delivery giant Swiggy partnered with cricketer Rishabh Pant to co-own Team Mumbai in the World Pickleball League (WPBL)—India’s first and only global franchise-based pickleball league.
