Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in Chennai, emerging as a favored sport for diverse age groups. Shirisha Badri from Dugout sports arena credits its ease of learning for its growing appeal, especially since it was introduced in Chennai in May. Picklers Arena in Iyyappanthangal sees substantial interest, opening earlier due to demand. The sport, which is played with paddles and lighter balls, is gaining momentum with older players discovering it during U.S. visits.
K. Mohit Kumar, Tamil Nadu Pickleball Association’s general secretary, notes the sport’s expansion, with courts now in cities like Coimbatore and Salem. Having first played in 2019, Kumar sees the potential for growth across Tamil Nadu. Ranjit of Picklers Arena, inspired by the U.S. trend of converting tennis courts, built three dedicated indoor courts in Chennai. Teenager Yohan, a tennis enthusiast, also enjoys pickleball for its team play and less stringent rules, making it suitable for exercise without undue exertion.
The origins of pickleball trace back to the U.S. in the 1960s as a family game, but it only recently surged in India. The COVID-19 pandemic heightened health awareness, and pickleball began to catch on. Now, over 500 enthusiasts in Chennai are connected with the Tamil Nadu Pickleball Association, participating in community-driven tournaments. Kumar emphasizes pickleball’s staying power, highlighting its role in fostering a vibrant sporting community.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/here-is-why-pickleball-is-quickly-becoming-the-go-to-sport-in-chennai/article68722344.ece
Category : Chennai
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