India’s 2036 Olympic Bid & Pickleball’s Push for Olympic Inclusion

In October 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced India’s interest in hosting the 2036 Summer Olympics during the International Olympic Committee (IOC) session in Mumbai. By October 2024, the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) formally submitted its bid to the IOC, marking a historic step toward bringing the Games to South Asia for the first time. But beyond infrastructure and tourism, India’s bid carries a unique proposition: pickleball Olympic inclusion.

This fast-growing sport, blending elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, could become India’s golden ticket to reshape its global sports identity. Let’s dive into how pickleball’s rise aligns with India’s Olympic dreams.

Though invented in the U.S., pickleball has found explosive growth in India. Cities like Mumbai now host professional leagues like the World Pickleball League (WPBL), while universities such as Bennett University organize national tournaments under the Indian Pickleball Association (IPA). Celebrity endorsements, like Bollywood icon Aamir Khan’s involvement, and high-stakes international events (including a $15 million Middle East-based tournament) have amplified its appeal.

India’s strategy mirrors its success with cricket. The PWR DUPR Indian League, modeled after the Indian Premier League (IPL), aims to create homegrown stars. “These athletes will inspire the next generation,” says Aditya Khanna, co-founder of PWR. With cricket’s recent inclusion in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics—a feat driven by India’s influence—the blueprint for pickleball’s Olympic inclusion seems clear.

For pickleball to earn Olympic status, it must meet four strict IOC criteria:

1. Global Reach: The sport must be played widely across 75+ countries (men) and 40+ countries (women).

2. Unified Governance: Fragmented regional associations (e.g., Asia vs. Europe) need a central body recognized by the IOC.

3. Anti-Doping Compliance: Full adoption of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

4. Olympic Appeal: Enhancing spectator engagement and aligning with Olympic values.

India is leveraging its host-nation advantage to fast-track progress. Pranav Kohli, CEO of PWR, states, “If India hosts the 2036 Olympics, pickleball’s inclusion becomes inevitable.” The country’s prior success with cricket—a non-traditional Olympic sport—adds credibility to this claim.

India’s 2036 bid isn’t just about infrastructure or tourism—it’s a strategic play for sports diplomacy. Success could position India as a “pickleball powerhouse,” mirroring China’s dominance in table tennis or Jamaica’s in sprinting. Economically, Olympic inclusion would unlock commercial opportunities:

• Equipment manufacturing growth

• Media rights valuation surge

• Youth engagement through school programs

Moreover, hosting the Olympics would accelerate India’s $1 trillion infrastructure development plan, spanning stadiums, transportation, and smart cities.

While India’s enthusiasm is palpable, challenges remain:

• Competition: Other nations like Indonesia and Mexico are also bidding for 2036.

• Funding: Estimated costs for hosting exceed $10 billion.

• Global Skepticism: Critics question pickleball’s readiness versus established sports like squash or karate.

Yet, India’s grassroots momentum is undeniable. The WPBL already attracts top international players, while the IPA’s partnership with the Global Pickleball Federation (GPF) aims to standardize rules and governance.

India’s 2036 Olympic bid isn’t just a quest for medals—it’s a bold statement about innovation in global sports. Pickleball’s inclusion would symbolize a shift toward youth-driven, accessible sports in the Olympic program. As the IOC finalizes its 2036 host by 2027, the world will watch whether India’s “sporting diplomacy” pays off.

For now, every paddle swing in Mumbai’s leagues echoes India’s ambition. Whether pickleball secures its Olympic debut or not, one thing is clear: India is rewriting the rules of the game.