Is Pickleball The Next Tennis? Sharmada Balu And GoRally Co-Founder Give Answers

Abhinav, Co-Founder at GoRally said "Originating in the U.S., pickleball has become the third most popular activity there (after running and cycling), with 1 in 5 Americans playing. In India, the sport has grown to 70,000+ active players and 200,000+ casual players, with over 1200 courts and 100+ tournaments in 2024 alone. Events like GoRally’s Bengaluru Open & BLR Masters 2024 drew 700+ entries and major sponsors like Decathlon and Boldfit.

Pickleball’s appeal lies in its accessibility. Offering the thrill of tennis and badminton with less effort to start, it’s perfect for all skill levels. Its rise in India has also drawn the attention of celebrity investors such as Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Rishabh Pant and Riteish & Genelia Deshmukh. Tennis superstar Agassi’s first visit to India in December 2024 to launch the PWR DUPR India League further showcased the sport’s growing cultural and commercial appeal."

Abhinav says "While some still view pickleball as "just for older people" or not a "serious sport," that couldn’t be further from the truth. A Forbes article highlighted that singles pickleball can burn up to 402 active calories per hour, making it one of the highest-calorie-burning racquet sports. Professional ranking systems like PWR and DUPR and growing professional leagues and tournaments with large prize pools are cementing its legitimacy as a serious sport."

Former tennis player Sharmada Balu, who has professionally transitioned into pickleball also states "The biggest misconception around pickleball is that it is very easy to pick up and to some extent, that’s true if you are playing 1 or 2 beginner games. However, as you progress to different levels, you understand how tough it gets to play continuous 15-20 matches in one tournament.”

“I believe pickleball did start off like an old man’s game but it has now changed completely. The last few competitions which I had played had a lot of young kids who started pickleball and some were even in the group of 14-15-year-olds,” says Sharmada.

"At its core, pickleball thrives on community. It’s a sport that welcomes players of all genders and ages, from 8 to 80. Doublesplay creates a fun, social environment, making it ideal for everything from casual meetups to networking opportunities. For example, GoRally, a Bengaluru-based startup, has built a vibrant community of over 4,000 active members who engage in tournaments, social events, and open play sessions, making it easy to connect with others and enjoy the game," says Abhinav.

Abhinav says, “Pickleball is a fantastic workout, boosting cardiovascular health, agility, and hand-eye coordination while being gentler on the joints compared to tennis. It improves balance, flexibility, and endurance, making it suitable for all ages. Beyond fitness, pickleball promotes mental well-being, offering stress relief and countering the loneliness that became prevalent post-COVID.” 

Sharmada Balu said, “Pickleball is proving to be a game changer in promoting both physical and mental well-being. It enhances cognitive function by requiring quick thinking, strategy and hand-eye coordination while also helping with weight management by keeping players engaged in continuous movement. Most importantly, in an age where screens dominate our daily lives and many people spend hours on the couch watching TV- pickleball is getting people of all ages out of the house and moving again.”

"With growing investments in infrastructure and media coverage, pickleball’s future is bright. Startups such as GoRally are leading the charge, building courts and offering full-stack experiences that combine coaching, vibrant community hubs, and tech-driven solutions," says Abhinav. 

Sharmada adds “I think that the sport has picked up a lot of traction already. It's already pretty big. And, there's a lot of scope for it. So I think a lot of people are going to be extremely invested in pickleball. Moreover, it is a very exciting format for the viewership as well.”

Pickleball isn’t just a sport; it’s a movement that blends fitness, fun, and community. Now is the perfect time to grab a paddle and join the rally!