Exploring Coimbatore’s growing pickleball craze

Amidst the thwack of shuttlecocks and the thump of cricket balls a brand new sound echoes throughout the neighbourhoods of Coimbatore: the full of life, distinct pop of a pickleball paddle assembly its plastic foe. From gated communities to newly minted indoor arenas, town is warming as much as the paddle sport.

Pickleball — a sport that fuses parts of tennis, badminton and desk tennis — is quick turning into the racket sport of alternative for a lot of within the metropolis. It is straightforward to select up, reasonably priced, and surprisingly addictive.

For 40-year-old paediatrician Dr Charanya Anbuselvan, the game has change into greater than a pastime — it’s a way of life. “I started playing pickleball two years ago, thanks to my sister. I recently won a tournament in Pattaya,” she says. “Tennis was hard to keep up with because of time and court access, and it demands more fitness. Pickleball is much more accessible — I even recommend it to my patients and their parents.”

Charanya performs commonly at an outside courtroom, subsequent to her clinic in Chinnavedampatti, which opened to the general public in August 2024. Weekend slots are exhausting to come back by now. “We’re also working on forming a pickleball association in Coimbatore,” she provides.

From curiosity to craze

The sport’s appeal lies in its simplicity — a smaller courtroom than tennis, underhand serves, and a plastic ball with holes make for straightforward entry. Santhosh Punithavelu, a businessman, found pickleball by means of his brother within the US. “We used to play cricket, but that needs a group. Pickleball just needs four people for doubles. Now, I play regularly.”

Others echo the social connection of the sport. Deepak Kumar, one other current convert, was launched to the game by fellow dads at his little one’s college. “Now we’re all good friends. It’s not just about fitness — it builds real connections.”

That neighborhood spirit is what impressed entrepreneurs like Surender Vittel to wager on the game. Along with Ashvin Kumar, Murugappan S, and Varun, he co-founded Neon Pickleball in Kalapatti, which turned operational final November. “When we entered the sports space, pickleball stood out. We saw it booming in cities like Chennai and Bengaluru. So, we decided to bring it here,” he says.

Since launch, Neon, the one indoor pickleball courtroom within the metropolis, has hosted a event and a sold-out masterclass by former tennis participant and national-level pickleballer Vimalraj Jayachandran. “People came from Madurai, Trichy, Salem and Chennai. The feedback was incredible,” says Surender. “Now, we get bookings every hour — mornings and evenings are full, and even weekends are double-packed.”

The facility opens at 6.30am and runs until 10.30pm, with every slot operating half-hour. But you could guide no less than two. “People love it — even if only two come, they’ll book the full court. The energy is great.”

His enterprise companion, Ashvin Kumar, jokes about his personal first encounter. “I thought pickleball had something to do with pickles — like oorga,” he laughs. “But after trying it for 30 minutes, I was sweating and smiling. I had never played a sport before, but I was hooked.”

Ashvin believes pickleball is a sport for many who by no means had one. “Most people want to play something, but don’t know how to start. Pickleball is the gateway. It’s accessible and makes you feel good about yourself.”

Zero Zero Two pickleball centre in Coimbatore
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangment

Early movers

Zero Zero Two in Ponniah Raja Puram, based by Kush Pasari and his pal in October 2024 was one of many first pickleball centres in Coimbatore. “I initially suggested badminton, but my friend proposed pickleball,” Kush recollects.

Now, town has a number of centres — together with AFS in Saibaba Colony and Hercules Pickleball Centre. “We are building a community,” says Kush. “Every court has its own WhatsApp group to guide new players. All of the courts can also be booked through apps like Turf Town. We offer discounts to school kids during the day and host regular tournaments. On weekends, families book the court for hours. Everyone plays — kids, parents, even grandparents.”

Their enterprise has doubled in six months, from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakhs in month-to-month income. “Despite new courts opening, demand is growing. The more people see it, the more they want to try.”

Kush believes in a pan-India future for the model. “We’ve had inquiries from other cities. We want to open more Zero Zero Two courts. Our goal is to build a community, not just a business.”

Vimalraj Jayachandran
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

Olympic goals

The sport’s momentum just isn’t restricted to Coimbatore. National participant and TV commentator Vimalraj notes the surge in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.

“No one imagined this growth,” he says. “Even Thoothukudi has courts now. You don’t need a sports background to enjoy it. I’ve seen 60-year-olds play with joy.”

His workshop in Coimbatore drew 60 members throughout 4 periods. “The turnout was amazing — lots of women, lots of enthusiasm. We’re planning another one soon.”

He additionally sees funding potential. “Many business owners in Coimbatore have approached me to understand how to open courts or invest in leagues. The city has the appetite — and the talent — to make a mark nationally.”

Vimalraj hopes the game will get Olympic recognition. “India could genuinely win a medal in pickleball. We’re strong, especially in the south. With leagues being planned, even involving film stars, this could be the next IPL-style phenomenon.”