Amidst the thwack of shuttlecocks and the thump of cricket balls a new sound echoes across the neighbourhoods of Coimbatore: the lively, distinct pop of a pickleball paddle meeting its plastic foe. From gated communities to newly minted indoor arenas, the city is warming up to the paddle sport.
Pickleball — a sport that fuses elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis — is fast becoming the racket sport of choice for many in the city. It is easy to pick up, affordable, and surprisingly addictive.
For 40-year-old paediatrician Dr Charanya Anbuselvan, the sport has become more than a hobby — it is a lifestyle. “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 plays regularly at an outdoor court, next to her clinic in Chinnavedampatti, which opened to the public in August 2024. Weekend slots are hard to come by now. “We’re also working on forming a pickleball association in Coimbatore,” she adds.
At Neon Pickleball arena in Coimbatore
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Periasamy M. Shot On OnePlus #FramesofIndia
From curiosity to craze
The sport’s charm lies in its simplicity — a smaller court than tennis, underhand serves, and a plastic ball with holes make for easy entry. Santhosh Punithavelu, a businessman, discovered pickleball through his brother in 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 game. Deepak Kumar, another recent convert, was introduced to the sport by fellow dads at his child’s school. “Now we’re all good friends. It’s not just about fitness — it builds real connections.”
That community spirit is what inspired entrepreneurs like Surender Vittel to bet on the sport. Along with Ashvin Kumar, Murugappan S, and Varun, he co-founded Neon Pickleball in Kalapatti, which became operational last 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 only indoor pickleball court in the city, has hosted a tournament and a sold-out masterclass by former tennis player 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 till 10.30pm, with each slot running 30 minutes. But you must book at least two. “People love it — even if only two come, they’ll book the full court. The energy is great.”
His business partner, Ashvin Kumar, jokes about his own 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 those who never 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
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Special Arrangment
Early movers
Zero Zero Two in Ponniah Raja Puram, founded by Kush Pasari and his friend in October 2024 was one of the first pickleball centres in Coimbatore. “I initially suggested badminton, but my friend proposed pickleball,” Kush recalls.
Now, the city has several centres — including 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 business has doubled in six months, from ₹1 lakh to ₹2 lakhs in monthly revenue. “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 brand. “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
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Special Arrangement
Olympic dreams
The sport’s momentum is not restricted to Coimbatore. National player 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 participants across four sessions. “The turnout was amazing — lots of women, lots of enthusiasm. We’re planning another one soon.”
He also sees investment 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 sport gets 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.”
Published – April 14, 2025 11:28 am IST
