AIPA Challenges Sports Ministry's NSF Status Grant to Indian Pickleball Association

AIPA's Opposition to NSF Status for IPA

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], May 1 - The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) has voiced strong objections against the Sports Ministry's recent decision to award National Sports Federation (NSF) status to the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), as outlined in a letter dated April 25, according to a press release from AIPA.

As the original body that introduced and developed Pickleball in India since 2007-08, AIPA has expressed profound disappointment over this decision, which they believe overlooks nearly two decades of their dedicated efforts in promoting and growing the sport nationwide.

Arvind Prabhoo, President of AIPA, stated, “We were the pioneers in bringing Pickleball to India, establishing a grassroots network, training thousands of players, and placing India on the global Pickleball map. This decision is not only disheartening but raises significant concerns about transparency and fairness in sports governance. We urge the Ministry to reconsider its stance to uphold the principles of fair play and sportsmanship.”

AIPA has highlighted that the recognition given to IPA was granted after relaxing essential eligibility criteria outlined in the National Sports Development Code of India, 2011, which include:

— Minimum three-year existence: According to Para 3.3 of Annexure-II of the Sports Code 2011, a sports federation must operate for at least three years before being eligible for NSF recognition. The IPA was established in November 2024, thus failing to meet this requirement.

— State-level representation: The Sports Code stipulates that a federation's State/UT unit must be affiliated with at least 50% of district-level associations in that area to be considered valid. There is no verifiable evidence that IPA or its state units fulfill this condition.

AIPA suspects that this decision may have been influenced by improper lobbying and misleading claims from the newly formed organization. Awarding NSF status to an entity established in November 2024, while disregarding AIPA's 18 years of contributions, raises serious concerns about the integrity of sports governance in India. The Association warns that such actions could damage India's reputation within the global sports community and undermine trust in the nation's commitment to legal, ethical, and transparent sports administration.

AIPA remains dedicated to the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and clean governance in sports, urging the Ministry to promptly review and amend this decision for the greater good of Pickleball and the Indian sporting community.