New Delhi, April 10: The Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) expressed its satisfaction on Thursday following the Delhi High Court’s decision to uphold its recognition as the National Sports Federation (NSF) for pickleball in India.
This development arose when a division bench of the High Court heard a Letters Patent Appeal (LPA) filed by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA). The appeal challenged a previous order from February 2, 2026, in which a single judge dismissed AIPA’s petition against the recognition granted to IPA.
During the latest hearing on April 7, the division bench issued a notice on the appeal and directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to present records related to the recognition process of IPA.
The court also stated that, under India’s National Sports Development Code, the recognition of sports organizations is subject to annual review. Accordingly, it instructed the central government to allow AIPA to submit written objections and present its case when considering AIPA’s renewal application.
However, the court did not accept AIPA’s request to suspend the recognition granted to IPA or to stay the previous single judge’s order. It also dismissed a petition that sought to direct the government to complete the review process without considering the comments made in the earlier ruling.
In response to this development, IPA stated that it respects the court’s emphasis on transparency and adherence to the sports code. The association expressed confidence that a review of all records will validate its role in promoting the sport across the country.
The association reiterated its commitment to comply with the regulatory standards set by MYAS and confirmed its intention to fully cooperate with both the government and the court. The next hearing in this matter is scheduled for May 11, 2026.
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