Have You Played Pickleball Yet?

Dear Reader,

The first time I played pickleball was in 2022, when a friend dragged me to a local park in New York. I was terrible at it, and have not picked up a paddle since.

Most people, it turns out, feel differently.

Pickleball is spreading fast across India. On instagram, in private clubs, and in neighbourhood courts. Since 2021, the number of pickleball players has grown by around 275%, according to industry estimates. By 2028, India could have nearly 10 lakh pickleball players.

Supporters say the sport is perfect for India, where many people struggle to stay active. A 2024 study published in The Lancet Global Health found that nearly half of Indian adults do not meet recommended physical activity levels. Inactivity is especially high among women.

Pickleball’s appeal, its fans argue, lies in how easy it is to start. It is low-impact, social, and relatively affordable. Basic paddles cost about Rs 1,000, and the plastic ball is inexpensive.

“Pickleball is the next cricket, mark my words,” said Sunil Walavalkar, founder of the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA). 

Not everyone is convinced, though. Critics see pickleball as an elite lifestyle sport, concentrated in wealthy neighbourhoods in Tier-1 cities. But, its supporters point out that cricket too began as an aristocratic game before it spread into gallis and became something more massy.

So what explains pickleball’s sudden rise? And can it really help India move more?

To find out, listen to the latest episode of The Signal Brief. You can find us on Youtube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts.

We’d love to know, have you played pickleball yet? If not, would you want to try it?

Thank you once again for listening and supporting us. We’d love to hear from you; write to us at [email protected] or find us on Instagram or X at @thesignaldotco.

Best,
Kudrat
on behalf of The Core

MESSAGE FROM OUR SPONSORS

Your competitors are already automating. Here's the data.

Retail and ecommerce teams using AI for customer service are resolving 40-60% more tickets without more staff, cutting cost-per-ticket by 30%+, and handling seasonal spikes 3x faster.

But here's what separates winners from everyone else: they started with the data, not the hype.

Gladly handles the predictable volume, FAQs, routing, returns, order status, while your team focuses on customers who need a human touch. The result? Better experiences. Lower costs. Real competitive advantage. Ready to see what's possible for your business?

See it in action

Banish bad ads for good

Google AdSense's Auto ads lets you designate ad-free zones, giving you full control over your site’s layout and ensuring a seamless experience for your visitors. You decide what matters to your users and maintain your site's aesthetic. Google AdSense helps you balance earning with user experience, making it the better way to earn.

Take control of your ads

🤝 Reach 80k+ CXOs? Partner with us.

✉️ Got questions or feedback? Reach out.

💰 Like The Core? Support us.