Overview
- Global Pickleball Federation president Javier Regalado says initiation fees to AIMS and SportAccord have been paid as the federation begins the Olympic recognition pathway, with a world competition required by 2027.
- Mumbai Smashers won the inaugural Indian Pickleball League in New Delhi with a 5–1 final over Hyderabad Royals, capping a week that mixed domestic talent with a strong international field.
- IPBL’s competitiveness stood out, with 17 of 82 matches decided by one or two points; overseas standouts included MVP Quang Duong along with Megan Fudge, Roos Van Reek, Allison Harris and Ryler DeHeart.
- Regalado positions India at the center of expansion through street pickleball and the new Paddle Lift program that links sponsors to communities, noting the need for accessible nets to unlock mass play.
- Indian players and officials called the league a development catalyst, with Mihika Yadav describing the experience as transformative and Chennai Super Warriors GM Asif Ismail praising the event’s organization and international standard; the Global Sports Pro & Challenger League is scheduled for Dec. 16–23 in Mumbai.