# Pickleball federation relies on private funding to build India’s sport 2026-08-06T14:46:38+00:00 | Sports | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The Indian Pickleball Association is building India’s first paddle testing and certification laboratory with USA Pickleball, aiming to make it operational by the end of the year. Indian manufacturers currently send paddles abroad for approval, according to Times Now. The federation is also working on coach and referee certification, rankings, school competitions and grassroots programmes. The IPA has received National Sports Federation recognition but remains ineligible for government grants during its mandatory two-year observation period. Hindustan Times reports that corporate sponsors, franchise owners and private investors are funding its programmes, including India’s five teams for the upcoming World Cup. Lucknow Leopards are sponsoring the national Open team. The Delhi High Court dismissed a challenge to the IPA’s recognition in February 2026, Times Now reports. ## Coverage - hindustantimes.com - timesnownews.com Tags: Indian sports, IPA, pickleball, Pickleball World Cup, sports funding Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/indian-pickleball-runs-on-private-funding-before-government-grants-arrive/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/indian-pickleball-runs-on-private-funding-before-government-grants-arrive/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.