The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) has accepted an invitation from the Cabieses Foundation and will send two national squads—an Open team and a Seniors 50+ team—to the Pickleball World Cup 2025, taking place 27 October – 2 November 2025 at The Fort Pickleball complex in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Government Recognition Fuels Rapid Growth
Earlier this year, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports formally recognised the IPA as India’s National Sports Federation for pickleball. This new status grants the association full control over athlete selection, event sanctioning, and high-performance programs—clearing the way for India’s first officially sanctioned appearance at the sport’s most prestigious event.
“This is a matter of immense pride for the entire nation,” - IPA President Suryaveer Singh.
Why Fort Lauderdale Is the Perfect Stage
World-Class Venue
- 43 dedicated courts - including four stadium courts and a grandstand—guarantee a professional showcase.
- Prime location on Florida’s Atlantic coast promises warm weather and significant media coverage.
Global Reach
- Organizers expect delegations from 50 + countries, underscoring pickleball’s explosive worldwide growth.
Festival-Style Lead-In
- A companion International Pickleball Tournament – World Cup Edition will run the same week, featuring juniors, adults, seniors, and Para-Pickleball divisions.
Open & Seniors 50+ Teams: India’s Dual-Squad Strategy
- Open Team – India’s fastest, fiercest talent eager to challenge the sport’s elite.
- Seniors 50+ Team – Demonstrating that passion for pickleball only grows stronger with age.
Tournament rules require at least four players per category, but the IPA plans to send larger rosters to maximize medal opportunities and doubles depth.
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Selection Trials and High-Performance Preparation
- Trials: August–October 2025 in Ahmedabad will determine final rosters.
- Camps: Post-trial high-performance camps will refine doubles chemistry, stamina, and tactical play for humid South-Florida conditions.
- Support team: Nutritionists, physiotherapists, and mental-skills coaches will travel with the squads to ensure peak performance.
Other Asian Contenders to Watch
India won’t be the only Asian powerhouse on court in Fort Lauderdale:
- Japan – The Japan Pickleball Association has launched a “Road to PWC” program to select its national squad.
- Chinese Taipei – Fresh off a bronze-medal finish in 2024, Chinese Taipei will return with high hopes.
- China – A nationwide qualifying circuit culminating in the Baoding Open will decide China’s roster.
- Rising interest – Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Korea, and other Asia Federation of Pickleball members are expected to announce teams soon.
This surge of regional participation doubles last year’s Asian entry count and signals that the continent is fast becoming a global pickleball hotbed.
Impact on Asian Pickleball
- Legitimacy & visibility: Government recognition and World Cup participation put India firmly on the global pickleball map.
- Grass-roots inspiration: Every televised rally from Florida serves as a recruitment ad for aspiring players back home.
- Lifetime pathway: The Seniors 50+ squad highlights opportunities for veteran athletes, boosting retention and inclusivity at community clubs nationwide
The Final Rally
With official backing, a passionate leadership team, and a player base expanding by the month, India is ready to make serious noise at the Pickleball World Cup 2025. From buzzing junior circuits to indefatigable seniors, the tricolor will be everywhere on court this October - energizing pickleball fans across Asia and beyond.
Stay tuned for updates and stories as Team India prepares for its boldest global showcase yet!
