Delhi CM Reveals IPBL Trophy, Heralding a Landmark Sporting Debut in the Capital

New Delhi, December 1, 2025: Indian sport entered a new chapter today as the Hon'ble Chief Minister of Delhi, Smt. Rekha Gupta, officially inaugurated the first-ever season of the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) at the KD Jadhav Indoor Hall, Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium.

Launched by The Times Group, IPBL is India's first and only national pickleball league - sanctioned by the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) under the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and endorsed by the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF). With Delhi as the Partner State, the Chief Minister's presence reflected the Capital's commitment to championing emerging sports and encouraging a progressive, inclusive sporting culture.

With the ceremonial lamp lit by the Hon'ble Chief

Minister and the unveiling of the coveted trophy, the league officially commenced, opening with the first match of the season between the Bengaluru Blasters and the Lucknow Leopards.

Speaking at the inauguration, the Hon'ble Chief Minister said, "The Indian Pickleball League is a new event and a new sport for our country. India has always embraced diversity in sport - understanding, watching, and playing different games is part of our culture. Since the arrival of India's Hon'ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, sports have become an integral part of our national identity. Every state now aspires to participate in national and international disciplines. Today, The Times Group has not only organized this league but also built an entire foundation and association to nurture it. This new game is now being adopted by Indian players, and I congratulate all of you on this achievement. "

The inaugural edition features 36 elite players, from internationally ranked stars to India's top athletes and rising domestic talent. Six city-based franchises - Mumbai Smashers, Bengaluru Blasters, Capital Warriors Gurgaon, Hyderabad Royals, Chennai Super Warriors, and Lucknow Leopards - will compete for national glory.

Vineet Jain, Managing Director, The Times Group, shared his vision for the league: "We step onto this stage with confidence and purpose, marking not just an inauguration but the beginning of a sporting movement in India - one that enables every young athlete to grow, shine, and dream without limits. Today, we launch a new era, one that future generations will remember for its players, its arena, and the pioneering team owners who believed in this league. To all the players, coaches, and general managers - your passion propels this journey forward. As the Indian Pickleball League begins today, let us raise the bar and rise together. "

The athlete lineup includes renowned international names such as Quang Duong, Megan Fudge, Mitchell Hargreaves, Roos van Reek, and Ben Newell, and India's top talents including Aditya Ruhela, Mihika Yadav, Aaliya Ebrahim, and Ammol Ramchandani. The competition will unfold through an intense round-robin phase, followed by knockout fixtures and culminating in the Grand Finale on December 7.

The ceremony was graced by senior IPA representatives, franchise owners, international players, and distinguished guests from the sports, business, and entertainment communities - marking the official birth of India's newest national sporting property.

इंदिरा गांधी इंडोर स्टेडियम में आज देश की पहली Indian Pickleball League 2025 का शुभारंभ किया।

1 से 7 दिसंबर 2025 तक इंदिरा गांधी स्पोर्ट्स कॉम्प्लेक्स के के.डी. जाधव इंडोर हॉल में आयोजित यह सप्ताह-भर का आयोजन भारत की पहली प्रोफेशनल पिकलबॉल लीग को राष्ट्रीय और अंतरराष्ट्रीय मंच… pic.twitter.com/FuItKh6nIg

- Rekha Gupta (@gupta_rekha) December 1, 2025

Javier Regalado, President of the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF), remarked, "The launch of the Indian Pickleball League marks a significant moment in the global journey of our sport. India is destined to become one of Pickleball's most dynamic frontiers, and this league will play a pivotal role in welcoming new fans, players, and stakeholders. We proudly endorse this initiative and wish it great success in elevating Pickleball to new heights. "

Strengthening its debut edition, the Adani Group has joined as the Powered By Partner, accompanied by support from Delhi Tourism, District, and 17 other partners - a testament to the growing institutional belief in India's fastest-rising racquet sport.

Indian Pickleball League 2025

Delhi CM @gupta_rekha tweets, 'At the Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium today, the country's first Indian Pickleball League 2025 was officially inaugurated..On this occasion, Vineet Jain, MD, The Times Group, CEO Sameer Pathak, Group Editor Navika… pic.twitter.com/OumIo4KZv1

- TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) December 1, 2025

The launch of IPBL signifies far more than the beginning of a league - it marks the emergence of a nationwide sporting movement poised to position Pickleball as India's next major participation and spectator sport.