Exploring Coimbatore’s Growing Pickleball Craze

Amidst the thwack of shuttlecocks and the thump of cricket balls a new sound echoes the neighBourhoods of coimbatore: the livealy, distinct pop of a pickball Paddle Meeting Its Plastic FOE. From Gated Communities to Newly Minted Indoor Arenas, The City is warming up to the paddle sport.

Picklaball – a sport that fuses elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis – is fast becoming the racket sport of choice for many in the rights. It is easy to pick up, affordable, and surprisingly addictive.

For 40-YAR-old paediatrician Dr Charanya Anbuselvan, The Sport has become more than a hobby-it is a lifestyle. “I Started Playing Pickball Two Years ago, Thanks to my Sister. I recently won a tournament in Pattaya,” She says. “Tennis was hard to keep up with trust of time and court access, and it demands more fitness. Pickleball is much more accessible – I even recommend it to my patients and their passengers.”

Charanya Plays regularly at an outdoor court, next to her clinic in chinnavedampatti, which open open to the public in August 2024. Weekend slots are hard to come by now. “We’re also work on forming a pickleball association in coimbatore,” She adds.

At neon pickleball area in coimbatore | Photo Credit: Periasamy M. Shot on OnePlus #Framesofindia

From Curiosity to Craze

The sport’s charm lies in its simplicity – a smaller court thannis, underhand serves, and a plastic ball with holes make for easy entry. Snthosh Punithavelu, A Businessman, Discovered Pickleball Through His Brother in the Us. “We used to play cricket, but that needs a group. Pickleball just needs four people for duals. Now, I play regularly.”

Others echo the social connection of the game. Deepak Kumar, Another Recent Convert, was introduced to the sport by fellow dads at his child’s school. “Now we’re all good friends. IT’s not just about fitness – it builds real connections.”

That Community Spirit is what inspired entrepreneurs like surender vittel to bet on the sport. Along with Ashvin Kumar, Murugappan S, and Varun, He Co-Founded Neon Pickleball in Kalapatti, which became operational last November. “When we enter the sports space, pickleball study out.

Daily Quiz | On leonardo da vinci

Since Launch, Neon, The only indoor pickball court in the city, have hosted a tournament and a sleep-out masterclass by former tennis player and national-elvel pickleballer vimalraj jayachandran. “People came from from Madurai, Trichy, Salem and Chennai. The feedback was increasedable,” Says Surender. “Now, we get bookings every hour-Mornings and events are full, and even weekends are double-packed.”

The facility opens at 6.30am and runs till 10.30pm, with Each Slot Running 30 Minutes. But you must book at least two. “People love it – even if only two come, they’ll book the full court. The energy is great.”

His Business Partner, Ashvin Kumar, Jokes About His HIS OWN first encounter. “I thought pickleball had something to do with pickles – like Oorga“He laughs.” But after trying it for 30 minutes, I was sweating and smiling. I had never played a sport before, but I was hoonded. “

Ashvin believes pickleball is a sport for that who never had one. “Most people want to play something to play

Zero zero two pickleball center in Coimbatore | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Early Movers

Zero zero two in Ponniah Raja Puram, founded by kush pasari and his friend in October 2024 was one of the first pickleball centers in coimbatore. “I initialy suggested badminton, but my friend proposed pickleball,” kush recalls.

Now, The City has Several Center – Including AFS in Saibaba Colony and Hercules Pickball Center. “We are building a communication,” Says kush. “Every court has its whatsapp group to guide new players. All of the courts can also be booked through apps like On Weekends, Families Book The Court for hours.

Their business has doubled in six months, from ₹ 1 lakh to ₹ 2 Lakhs in Monthly Revenue. “Despite New Courts Opening, Demand is Growing. The more people see it, the more they want to try.”

Exports Inch up 0.7% to $ 41.97 billion in March; Trade Deficit Hits $ 21.54 Billion

Kush believes in a pan-India future for the brand. “We’ve Had Inquiries from other rights. We want to open more zero zero two courts.

Vimalraj Jayachandran | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Olympic Dreams

The Sport’s Momentum is not restricted to coimbatore. National Player and TV commentator vimalraj notes the surge in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

“No one imagined this growth,” he says. “Even thoothukudi has courts now. You don’t need a sports background to enjoy it. I’ve seen 60-yar-alds play with joy.”

His workshop in Coimbatore Drew 60 Participants Across Four Sessions. “The turning was amazing – lots of women, lots of enthusiasm. We’re planning another one son.”

He also Sees Investment Potential. “Many business owners in coimbatore have approached me to understand how to open courts or invest in Leagues. The city has the appetiite – the appetiite – and the talent – to make a mark nationally.”

Vimalraj hopes the Sport Gets Olympic Recognition. “India could genuinely win a medal in pickleball. We’re strong, especially in the south.