Introduction

Ahmedabad weekends used to mean dinners, drives, and chai breaks. Now? They end on a Playing court. With floodlights on, music playing at a high volume, and paddles, the city has picked up something new.

A few years back, if you said, “Chal pickleball ramva” to your friend, they would be confused with Pickle what?

But now it’s an addiction.

A game that’s part tennis, part table tennis and a little bit of badminton. Easy to play, fun to watch, and perfect for all ages. From societies to clubs, from uncles to college groups — everyone’s showing up with a paddle.

But why the sudden buzz? Why is this simple game becoming the face of social sport in the city? Grown so much that it now has a global celebration — 8th August marked as World Pickleball Day.

The rise has been fast. And if you’re wondering how it all started — and where to join the game — here’s everything you need to know.

The Game That Started With a Family

Back in 1965, on Bainbridge Island, Washington, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell came home after playing golf. Their families were bored. The badminton set was incomplete. So, they picked up ping pong paddles and a plastic ball. And like that, pickleball was born.

What started as a backyard fix quickly became a weekend ritual. A game everyone — kids, adults, and even grandparents — could enjoy.

The surge of pickleball in India is booming. And when it comes to Ahmedabad, there are over 500 pickleball courts — and the number is still growing. Ahmedabad has become one of the fastest-growing pickleball hubs in the country.

Why You’re Hearing About It Everywhere

The answer is its simplicity. Often in cricket, you need 6-8 people or more to make it enjoyable. In pickleball, 2 people can also work. No big team required—just a few friends and paddles.

It’s easy to learn, and fun to play. Kids love it. Even seniors get competitive. The game pulls you in fast. The more you play, the more you want to.

Many even use it as a weekend catch-up plan. In a city like Ahmedabad, where options are few, pickleball is becoming everyone’s favourite hangout.

Best pickleball location in Ahmedabad

If you’re in Ahmedabad and have never tried Pickleball, then this weekend is the right call for you. From society setups to professional courts, the options are growing; even after that, you will find yourself waiting for your turn. So, it’s important that you prebook, especially if you’re planning to go on weekdays.

Here are the best Pickleball places you can visit. 

• BALLERS Game Zone & Pickleball Academy
• Dinkers Pickleball Academy & Club
• Pickel Pro
• Champions Arena (Pickleball / Cricket / Football)
• Pickleball Legends

You can’t go wrong with any of them. It’s all about playing and enjoying. And with World Pickleball Day falling on Friday, 8th August, it’s the perfect excuse to end your workday with friends, under the lights.

Pickleball as a Business

Pickleball is no longer a weekend game — it’s a full-fledged business wave. With over 1200 courts across India and an estimated 500+ in Ahmedabad alone, the growth is explosive.

The popularity and explosive growth resulted in the launch of the WPBL (World Pickleball League in India). Season 1 was a success, and Season 2 is scheduled for January 2026, demonstrating the power of this sport.

People are investing more in creating many sports spots, including Pickleball and Box cricket, with small cafes. The average hourly rates cost around 700-1000, depending on the location. Which means investors are making a lot of money out of the pickleball wave.

But the buzz isn’t limited to matches. Housing societies, event planners, and even automotive brands are jumping in — hosting matches, gatherings, and social meets. It has become a go-to idea for corporate team-building and club activities.

From court rentals and coaching to tournaments and merchandise, there’s a whole new ecosystem forming. And for many, it’s also a chance to build a community — not just a customer base.

Pickleball is simple, scalable, and competitive. And in a city like Ahmedabad, it’s becoming a blueprint for modern business with a sporty twist.

Conclusion

The pickleball craze is unreal, and it’s interesting to see where it goes in future. The game is like a medium to unwind from work days, a connection and a fun way to spend time with family.

You don’t need to be an athlete. Just the will to show up, rally, and maybe miss a few shots with friends. Because that’s the charm — it’s not about playing perfect, it’s about showing up.

So this 8th August, if you’re in Ahmedabad, don’t just hear about World Pickleball Day — go live it.

And for more such stories from the city and beyond, keep reading Gujpreneur.