Amidst the thwack of shuttlecocks and the thump of cricket balls a brand new sound echoes throughout the neighbourhoods of Coimbatore: the full of life, distinct pop of a pickleball paddle assembly its plastic foe. From gated communities to newly minted indoor arenas, the town is warming as much as the paddle sport.

Pickleball — a sport that fuses components of tennis, badminton and desk tennis — is quick turning into the racket sport of alternative for a lot of within the metropolis. It’s straightforward to select up, reasonably priced, and surprisingly addictive.

For 40-year-old paediatrician Dr Charanya Anbuselvan, the game has turn out to be greater than a interest — it’s a life-style. “I began taking part in pickleball two years in the past, because of my sister. I just lately received a event in Pattaya,” she says. “Tennis was exhausting to maintain up with due to time and court docket entry, and it calls for extra health. Pickleball is rather more accessible — I even advocate it to my sufferers and their dad and mom.”

Charanya performs frequently at an out of doors court docket, subsequent to her clinic in Chinnavedampatti, which opened to the general public in August 2024. Weekend slots are exhausting to come back by now. “We’re additionally engaged on forming a pickleball affiliation in Coimbatore,” she provides.

From curiosity to craze

The game’s appeal lies in its simplicity — a smaller court docket than tennis, underhand serves, and a plastic ball with holes make for straightforward entry. Santhosh Punithavelu, a businessman, found pickleball by his brother within the US. “We used to play cricket, however that wants a bunch. Pickleball simply wants 4 folks for doubles. Now, I play frequently.”

Others echo the social connection of the sport. Deepak Kumar, one other latest convert, was launched to the game by fellow dads at his baby’s faculty. “Now we’re all good associates. It’s not nearly health — it builds actual connections.”

That group spirit is what impressed entrepreneurs like Surender Vittel to wager on the game. Together with Ashvin Kumar, Murugappan S, and Varun, he co-founded Neon Pickleball in Kalapatti, which turned operational final November. “After we entered the sports activities area, pickleball stood out. We noticed it booming in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. So, we determined to carry it right here,” he says.

Since launch, Neon, the one indoor pickleball court docket within the metropolis, has hosted a event and a sold-out masterclass by former tennis participant and national-level pickleballer Vimalraj Jayachandran. “Individuals got here from Madurai, Trichy, Salem and Chennai. The suggestions was unbelievable,” says Surender. “Now, we get bookings each hour — mornings and evenings are full, and even weekends are double-packed.”

The ability opens at 6.30am and runs until 10.30pm, with every slot working half-hour. However you should guide no less than two. “Individuals find it irresistible — even when solely two come, they’ll guide the complete court docket. The vitality is nice.”

His enterprise associate, Ashvin Kumar, jokes about his personal first encounter. “I believed pickleball had one thing to do with pickles — like oorga,” he laughs. “However after attempting it for half-hour, I used to be sweating and smiling. I had by no means performed a sport earlier than, however I used to be hooked.”

Ashvin believes pickleball is a sport for many who by no means had one. “Most individuals wish to play one thing, however don’t know begin. Pickleball is the gateway. It’s accessible and makes you be ok with your self.”

Early movers

Zero Zero Two in Ponniah Raja Puram, based by Kush Pasari and his buddy in October 2024 was one of many first pickleball centres in Coimbatore. “I initially prompt badminton, however my buddy proposed pickleball,” Kush recollects.

Now, the town has a number of centres — together with AFS in Saibaba Colony and Hercules Pickleball Centre. “We’re constructing a group,” says Kush. “Each court docket has its personal WhatsApp group to information new gamers. The entire courts can be booked by apps like Turf City. We provide reductions to high school youngsters through the day and host common tournaments. On weekends, households guide the court docket for hours. Everybody performs — youngsters, dad and mom, even grandparents.”

Their enterprise has doubled in six months, from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakhs in month-to-month income. “Regardless of new courts opening, demand is rising. The extra folks see it, the extra they wish to attempt.”

Kush believes in a pan-India future for the model. “We’ve had inquiries from different cities. We wish to open extra Zero Zero Two courts. Our objective is to construct a group, not only a enterprise.”

Olympic goals

The game’s momentum will not be restricted to Coimbatore. Nationwide participant and TV commentator Vimalraj notes the surge in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

“Nobody imagined this progress,” he says. “Even Thoothukudi has courts now. You don’t want a sports activities background to take pleasure in it. I’ve seen 60-year-olds play with pleasure.”

His workshop in Coimbatore drew 60 contributors throughout 4 classes. “The turnout was superb — a number of ladies, a number of enthusiasm. We’re planning one other one quickly.”

He additionally sees funding potential. “Many enterprise house owners in Coimbatore have approached me to grasp open courts or spend money on leagues. Town has the urge for food — and the expertise — to make a mark nationally.”

Vimalraj hopes the game will get Olympic recognition. “India may genuinely win a medal in pickleball. We’re robust, particularly within the south. With leagues being deliberate, even involving movie stars, this might be the subsequent IPL-style phenomenon.”