Delhi High Court Upholds National Recognition for Indian Pickleball Association

The Delhi High Court has upheld the Indian Pickleball Association's recognition as the national federation. The court dismissed All India Pickleball Association's petition challenging this, citing a lack of jurisdiction over ministry decisions. Recognition grants IPA financial autonomy to develop the sport, identifying its status as an emerging sport.

In a decisive move, the Delhi High Court has upheld the Indian Pickleball Association's status as the national federation for the sport, following a comprehensive review. Justice Sachin Datta dismissed the petition by the All India Pickleball Association, which challenged the Centre and Union Sports Ministry's decision.

The court asserted its non-intervention policy in cases overseen by domain experts, emphasizing that granting recognition to the Indian Pickleball Association was neither arbitrary nor unreasonable. Resulting from this decision, IPA can now receive financial grants from the Sports Ministry, aiding in the sport's development within India.

AIPA, established in 2008, argued the legality of recognizing a newly formed organization. However, the court highlighted the adaptive nature of the Sports Code, which accommodated exemptions for developing sports, supporting the need for flexibility in growing disciplines like pickleball.

(With inputs from agencies.)