New Delhi: At a time when the Supreme Court is keen to free up sporting federations from the cobwebs of litigation, emerging sport pickleball could find itself in a long-drawn administrative and legal battle.
The Sports Ministry’s move to to grant national federations status to the newly-formed Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has irked the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which is much older in existence.
Registered in 2008, AIPA has raised objections to the Sports Ministry’s decision to recognise IPA that was registered only in November of last year and threatened legal action, a move that could jeopardise the fortunes of the fledgling sport in the country.
“The IPA has been recognised by the ministry after a representation by the body a few days ago,” a sports ministry official told PTI, making it eligible to receive financial grants and autonomy to regulate, promote and develop the sport within the country.
On Instagram, IPA president Suryaveer Singh Bhullar wrote that it is a defining moment for pickelball in India. “Our focus is firmly on the future, building a pipeline of talent, creating career opportunities, and ensuring every Indian has access to the joy and benefits of pickleball,” he said.
Claiming to be the “pioneering body” behind introduction and nurturing of pickleball in the country since 2007–08, the AIPA cited a 2011 National Sports Code clause to raise questions on the ministry’s move.
An administrative body should have “actively existed for more than three years on the date of application for recognition” to be considered as an National Sports Federation (NSF), according to the Sports Code clause.
“This decision is not only disheartening but raises serious concerns regarding transparency and fairness in sports governance. In the interest of fair play and sportsmanship, we urge the Ministry to reconsider its decision and uphold the values of clean sports,” AIPA president Arvind Prabhoo said.
“The AIPA gave a representation to the Sports Ministry on October 18 last year. But the Ministry has decided to grant recognition to a four-month old company that has no organisational set-up, no district level presence like us,” AIPA Treasurer Nikhil Mathare told PTI.
“Given the exemptions that have been made for AIPA, we are left with no choice but to take legal recourse. But we will have a conversation with the ministry before we proceed with it.”
Pickleball is a combination of tennis, table tennis and badminton played in singles and doubles formats with a paddle and perforated hollow plastic ball in a court similar to the size of a doubles badminton court divided by a low-placed net.
The Sports Ministry’s move to to grant national federations status to the newly-formed Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has irked the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which is much older in existence. Other Sports Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
