Delhi HC directive to Sports Ministry with regard to IPA recognition

Founded in 2007, AIPA is recognised as the oldest and most extensively represented governing body for pickleball in India, with active federations across 24 states. Additionally, AIPA is a founding member of both the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the Asian Pickleball Federation (APF), having received official affiliations in 2015 and 2020, respectively.

Hyderabad: The Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS) to submit a detailed affidavit justifying its decision to grant recognition to the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA), following a legal challenge by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA).

It may be mentioned here that AIPA established in 2007 is said to be the oldest and most widely represented governing body for pickleball in India, with active federations in 24 states.

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The AIPA is also a founding member of both the International Pickleball Federation (IPF) and the Asian Pickleball Federation (APF), with official affiliations granted in 2015 and 2020 respectively.

In its petition, AIPA has contested the recognition granted by the MYAS to the IPA, citing violations of the National Sports Development Code of India, which mandates, among other criteria, that a recognized
body must have a minimum of three years of existence—a requirement AIPA claims the IPA fails to meet.
Taking cognizance of the concerns raised, the Delhi High Court has asked MYAS to provide reasoning and justification for granting any exemptions under the Sports Code, and has scheduled the matter for
interim relief hearing on May 19, 2025.

“AIPA has strongly pressed that the impugned recognition order is not sustainable and is arbitrary under the law,” said the association in a statement.

“The Sports Code exists to bring transparency, accountability and fairness to the process of recognition of National Sports Federations. If the code is to be diluted arbitrarily, it will damage the entire
sporting ecosystem. AIPA has been the oldest and internationally affiliated governing body for Pickleball in India and will continue to uphold the principles of good governance in sports,” the petitioner
argued.

The All India Pickleball Association (AIPA) remains affiliated to the International Pickleball Federation and the Asian Federation of Pickleball, and continues to lead the growth and development of the
sport across the country.