The Delhi High Court has directed the Union Government to produce relevant records related to the recognition granted to the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA) as the national sports federation for the sport. The directive came during the hearing of a petition filed by the All India Pickleball Association (AIPA), which has challenged the Sports Ministry’s decision to grant recognition to IPA.
Justice Sachin Datta passed the order on May 19 and asked the Centre to place the official reply on record. The court also directed that all relevant documents be produced at the next hearing scheduled for May 23.
Recognition to the IPA was granted on April 25, 2025, making it eligible for financial assistance from the Sports Ministry and giving it the authority to regulate, promote, and develop pickleball across India.
The High Court had earlier issued notice to the Centre and the IPA on May 1 in response to AIPA’s petition.
In its plea, AIPA argued that it has been in existence since 2008 and has played a pivotal role in the promotion and development of pickleball in India. It alleged that the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports arbitrarily recognized the IPA, a much newer entity reportedly only 138 days old, in violation of the National Sports Development Code.
“The IPA is essentially attempting to indulge in fraudulently usurping the position of a national sports federation,” the petition contended, asserting that the IPA had not made any substantial contribution to the sport.
The petition further accused the Ministry of acting in an arbitrary and mala fide manner by ignoring AIPA’s application and failing to provide any justification or documentation for the recognition extended to IPA.
The matter will now be taken up again on May 23, when the court is expected to examine the Centre’s records and justification for the disputed recognition.
